NASA Robonaut Demonstration Scheduled for June 8 at JSC

Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington, DC
(Phone: 202/358-1979)
 
John Ira Petty
Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
(Phone: 281/483-5111)
 
NOTE TO EDITORS: N00-25
 

Robonaut, a robotic system that may perform future space-
walking tasks using an advanced mechanical hand, will be
demonstrated for news media representatives at 1 p.m. CDT
Thursday, June 8, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX.
 
    With a hand much like a human’s, Robonaut is capable of
actions as delicate as lifting small objects with tweezers.  It is powerful enough to lift a 21-pound weight on the Earth’s surface – – giving it considerable capabilities in the weightless
environment of space.  The robotic system is designed to use the same tools used by astronauts in spacesuits.  The technology is expected to have numerous uses on Earth as well as in space.
 
    In addition to demonstrating the Robonaut, which could be
used in assembly of the International Space Station, members of the robotics team will be available for interviews.
 
    News media representatives wishing to participate in this
event should contact the Johnson newsroom at 281/483-5111 by 10 a.m. CDT on Thursday to arrange for press accreditation.