Robot Astronaut Kirobo and astronaut Koichi Wakata made history when they had a conversation on the International Space Station (ISS). The conversation was the first of its kind between a human and a robot in outer space and represents the latest development in the Kibo Robot Project, a joint research project carried out by Dentsu, Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), University of Tokyo, Robo Garage and Toyota Motor Corporation. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is also providing extensive assistance. Kirobo arrived at the space station in early August.
This experiment represents autonomous conversation using voice recognition technology as well as communication with people on Earth.
An extract from the conversation experiment is enclosed below:
Wakata: How did you get out here into space, Kirobo?
Kirobo: On the Kounotori from Tanegashima Space Center.
Wakata: Right. So you came here on the Kounotori?
Kirobo: Not the bird, of course! A rocket.
Wakata: It’s incredible that you came here all by yourself.
Kirobo: Well, I’m a robot!
Toyota is responsible for voice and face recognition functions that are crucial to the experiments. Toyota plans to use experience gained from the orbital experiments to improve the range of interactive conversation technologies it uses in its automotive and personal robotic assistance products.
Before he was allowed to fly, Kirobo had to prove he had the right stuff by passing a range of tests. These included a parabolic flight test to examine behaviour in ‘zero G’ conditions, and a vibration test, to ensure he was tough enough to withstand the intense force of a rocket launch.
Further conversations will be held, and conversation logs and other data will be utilized by the project participants. The key aims of the project are to facilitate the coexistence of humans and robots, and to explore possible future deployment of communication robots in outer space.