Toyota Robonaut cleared for launch

‘Kirobo’ to conduct first-ever Robot-Human Conversation Experiments on the International Space Station

Key Points

• Kirobo, developed in part by Toyota, is successfully cleared to be Japan’s first ‘robonaut’
• Kirobo will take part in the first robot-human conversation experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
• Toyota responsible for voice and face recognition functions that are crucial to the experiments
• Launch is scheduled for 4 August from Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan
• Kirobo passed a range tests to be for flight, including ‘zero G’ simulations and vibration testing

After launch, Kirobo will disembark at the ISS and wait for the arrival of Commander Koichi Wakata late this year. In the Kibo Japanese experiment module, the commander and Kirobo will then take part in the first conversation experiment held between a person and a robot in space.

Toyota’s role in the project focused on Kirobo’s voice and face recognition functions, crucial elements in the conversation experiments that will take place.

During testing, Kirobo successfully passed a range of trials to be accepted as ready for flight. These included a parabolic flight test to examine behaviour in ‘zero G’ conditions, and a vibration test, to ensure he was robust enough to withstand a rocket launch.

Kirobo is one of two humanoid verbal-communication robots developed under the Kibo Robot Project. The other, ‘Mirata’, will act as ground crew, allowing the investigation and solution of any issues that may arise during Kirobo’s time on board the ISS.

Kibo Robot project Website:

Project Timeline (planned)

Aug. 4, 2013             Robot astronaut Kirobo leaves for the ISS

Aug.–Sep. 2013        Kirobo speaks for the first time in space

Nov.–Dec. 2013       Commander Wakata arrives at the ISS

Dec. 2013                 Commander Wakata and Kirobo have their first conversation

May–Jun. 2014         Commander Wakata leaves the ISS

Dec. 2014                 Kirobo returns to Earth