Robonaut 2 (R2)

R2 is the humanoid robot currently on ISS. R2 is designed to off-load routine and repetitive work from the crew. The crew can then spend more time on science and research.

Benefits to NASA Funded Missions: Robonaut's ability to autonomously climb within the ISS will allow R2 to translate to various locations within ISS to perform useful work for the crew thereby off-loading the crew from those activities. This work will also serve as a on-orbit testbed for future exploration activities, infusing new capabilities from academia and industry. Robonaut hand technology is currently being integrated into a space suit glove as part of the GCD next generation life support project. Benefits to NASA Unfunded & Planned Missions: Robonaut on ISS serves as a testbed for future exploration activities. Using the microgravity environment to highlight and showcase unique humanoid capabilities, including. Benefits to Other Government Agencies: Robonaut has multiple spinoff technologies that have applications and potential applications for other US government agencies. The Roboglove is a spinoff that has been explored for use as a rehabilitation device with the Veteran's administration. The x1 exoskeleton is a Robonaut spinoff that has state-side rehabilitation applications. Benefits to the Commercial Space Industry: This item does not benefit the commercial space industry. Benefits to the Nation: This item does not benefit the nation

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.