First companion robot in space

On 9 August 2013, the first talking robot in space arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a supply rocket. Its mission was to serve as companion to astronaut Kochi Wakata, who began his mission in November 2013. The miniature robot was launched from the island of Tanegashima in an unmanned rocket. Measuring 34 cm (13 in), Kirobo (derived from the Japanese words for "hope" and "robot") weighs about 1 kg (2.2 lb) and has a wide range of physical motion. Its design was inspired by the cartoon character Astro Boy. Kirobo has been programmed to communicate in Japanese and keep records of its conversations with Mr Wakata.

Kirobo has been programmed to communicate in Japanese and keep records of its conversations with Mr Wakata.