Astronaut farewells space robot

In scenes reminiscent of a science fiction film a Japanese astronaut has bid an emotional farewell to his robot companion as he prepared to head back to Earth.

The unusual exchange between astronaut Koichi Wakata and his intergalactic colleague Kirobo was filmed aboard the International Space Station as the Japanese prepared to end his six-month mission, The Telegraph reports.

As the pair parted ways the astronaut said he was sorry that they would not return to Earth together and he regretted leaving Kirobo alone.

"I'll be alright. I'm a robot," Kirobo replied.

Mr Wakata said they would meet up again once they were back on Earth, prompting the robot to reply "On Earth, let's talk about space again".

Kirobo was sent to space to conduct experiments with Mr Wataka about robot-human conversation.

Rather than just repeating pre-programmed phrases, Kirobo processes questions and rapidly searches its extensive vocabulary to try and come up with a suitable reply.

The astronaut is due to return to Earth at some point today.

Kirobo is due to leave the International Space Station at the end of the year.

Source: The Telegraph

Author: Martin Zavan, Approving editor: Simon Black