Talking robot takes off for International Space Station

Japan - When the Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata arrives at the International Space Station in November, a companion will be waiting for him whose eyes will light up in recognition - literally. Kirobo, the world`s first talking humanoid space robot, has already taken off and should arrive at the space station by 9 August to await Wakata`s arrival. It knows he is coming: it has been programmed to recognize his face, and greet him warmly in Japanese. It`s name comes from the Japanese words for hope and robot, and its task is momentous for a kilo of superbly engineered plastic and a bundle of plug leads: nothing less than to supply emotional warmth and companionship. More