Engineers have been working out how to take the first humanoid robot into space safely.

Robonaut 2, or R2, has been designed to carry out repetitive tasks so that astronauts have more time to focus on other things.

R2 has hands like a human and can use the same tools that astronauts use. Older robots had to use specially-designed tools. R2 also has two cameras to give it stereo vision.

“It’s rather intimidating at first sight because of its size, its physique and you can’t see its eyes,” says NASA engineer Michael Haddock.

During the eight-minute launch into orbit on board NASA’s Discovery shuttle, R2 will have to cope with three times the force of gravity and intense vibration.

Experts have designed a metal frame and foam blocks that will keep the 150kg robot protected during launch. They have named the package SLEEPR, or Structural Launch Enclosure to Effectively Protect Robonaut.

The launch of mission STS-133 to the International Space Station is due to take place on 1 November this year, but watch the video below to see R2 in action.

Image by NASA