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My Friend, the Robot

September 16, 2013

Researchers at the German Aerospace Center are trying to determine whether robots make good companions.

https://p.dw.com/p/19iBf
epa03813515 An undated handout image shows Kirobo, a 34cm high talking robot, during a zero-gravity test with robot's developer, Tomotaka Takahashi (L) and Fuminori Kataoka (R), project general manager from Toyota Motor Corp. For the first time in the world on 04 August 2013, Japan launched a talking robot into space towards the International Space Station (ISS) to be employed as 'companion' to Japanese astronaut Kochi Wakata. Kirobo is part of a cargo of drinking water, food and work supplies expected to reach the ISS on 09 August. EPA/2013.KIBO-ROBOT / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

As astronauts often suffer from physical and mental problems during long missions, scientists and psychologists came up with the idea of using robots as personal trainers and companions. A group of test persons spent three weeks in isolation, doing exercises and playing card games with two small robots. If the results of the tests are positive, robots could soon be accompanying astronauts on space flights.

My Friend, the Robot