Is Kirobo a humanoid robot?

Kirobo, a tiny talking robot, has made history for robotkind. After an impressive 18 months on board the International Space Station, humanoid communication robot Kirobo returned to Earth as a passenger on SpaceX’s CRS-5 Dragon cargo supply spacecraft, which successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean earlier today.

How does Kirobo work?

The robot's capabilities include voice and speech recognition, natural language processing, speech synthesis and telecommunications, as well as facial recognition and video recording. Kirobo is specially designed to navigate zero-gravity environments and will assist Commander Wakata in various experiments.

How did Kirobo get its name?

The launch of the H-2B rocket was broadcast online by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa). The unmanned rocket is also carrying drinking water, food, clothing and work supplies to the six permanent crew members based at the ISS. Kirobo's name derives from the Japanese words for "hope" and "robot".

Does the Kirobo Mini lack AI?

However, the Kirobo Mini looks ill-equipped to handle that role - even if it is just as a stepping-stone to something greater. This is highlighted in AP’s Yuri Kageyama’s excellent article on the launch of Kirobo Mini, which includes a stark admission from Fuminori Kataoka that the Kirobo Mini lacks what you would call AI.