No 4. NASA Robonaut 2
Robonaut 2 is set to become the first humanoid robot to travel to the International Space Station for assisting astronauts. A joint venture of NASA and General Motors, the aim of Robonaut is to carry out the external tasks of the ISS. Boasting extreme dexterity this machine is capable of handling and operating all the space tools with relative ease. The first Robonaut was developed nearly a decade ago by NASA. Over the years new prototypes were introduced with different improvements and features. Now NASA believes that the Robonaut 2 is finally a space worthy humanoid. It will set off for the ISS in September this year. Robonaut is a different class of robot than other current space faring robots. While most current space robotic systems focus on moving large objects, similar to a crane, or rovers for exploration, Robonaut’s focus is on tasks which require more dexterity.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbYj10RYD8c[/youtube]
No 3. Global Hawk
This flying robot is the most modern Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in the world. The RQ-4 is powered by an Allison Rolls-Royce AE3007H turbofan engine with 7,050 lbf (3,200 kgf / 31.4 kN) thrust, and carries a payload of 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). The fuselage is mostly of conventional aluminum airframe construction, while the wings are made of carbon composite. Developed by Northrop Grumman, Global Hawk is set to replace the ageing U-2 as the USAF primary surveillance aircraft. It can recon 100,000 square kilometers of area in a day and send real time intel back to the base station anywhere on the globe. This aircraft is able to carry out missions with complete autonomy without any human aid. The aircraft though in service, is still undergoing development. All the models currently under service are prototypes. 2 such aircrafts are also being used by NASA to carry out scientific research and experiments. Northrop Grumman is also looking at the civilian prospects of this flying machine. This aircraft is being studied for the feasibility of unmanned passenger and cargo airliners.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hGD5JuL-YI[/youtube]
