A couple of years back, skeptics thought that it's impossible to create a real C-3PO — a humanoid robot from the movie "Star Wars." However, technology has proven them wrong when Robonaut 1 was launched. 

Few years following the creation of this humanoid robot, an upgraded version was released. Ladies and gents, meet Robonaut 2 or also known as R2.

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The International Space Station is sheltering R2, and it's been working hand-in-hand with the human astronauts. Admit it or not, inventions such as this are ground-breaking and super cool.  

Now, are you interested to know more about R2? Check out the five must-know facts we have listed below. 

1. Robonaut 2 is the first humanoid robot to join the ISS. 

Isn't that ironic? But it is true.  

This android was the first robot sent by NASA to the International Space Station, The Hindu reported. R2 was able to operate this human space vehicle without a cage.

In addition, it was also the first humanoid robot to work with tools, which were human-rated, in space.

2. Robonauts, both R1 and R2, were built to simply aid the astronauts.

The first Robonaut was designed to work and move around the surface of the planet, according to Business Standard.

Initially, Robonauts were made just for preparing the work sites during space walks and provide help during maintenance work. However, this all changed when R2 came into the picture.

R2 has a greater range of motion, much agile and faster than R1. The International Space Station resident also has a safety system, allowing it to work together "with astronauts". 

3. Robonaut 2 received the award for outstanding invention. 

The droid was chosen as a valuable innovation by NASA Invention and Contributions Board, NASA General Counsel and Charlie Bolden, who is the NASA Administrator. The selection wasn't easy though.

The evaluation of R2 was based on these criteria: Aerospace Significance, Technology Readiness Level, Industry Significance, NASA Use, Humanitarian Significance, Industry Use and Creativity. 

The International Space Station's R2 did amazingly well on those areas. Hence, owning the NASA Government Invention of the Year for 2014 award.  

4. Medical and other tasks for Robonaut 2. 

Studies about R2, conducting medical tasks, are still ongoing. Astronauts wanted to know if they can perform this task if guided by doctors. 

Some of the examples of its other uses are a robotic exoskleton, telemedicine tech and robotic glove. Because of this, thirty-nine patents have already been issued, but more are still being reviewed.  

5. Robonaut 2 was co-developed by General Motors. 

International Space Station will not have it's humanoid space occupant without General Motors co-developing the project through a Space Act Agreement, Clapway has learned.

NASA's goal is for the astronauts to spend more time on research and doing important tasks on the International Space Station; hence, the Robonauts 2.

TagsRobonaut 2, NASA, ISS, International Space Station, Science