Latest Canadian robot to lend space station astronauts a hand

Canada is sending a $200-million robot to the International Space Station next month to take much of the heavy lifting being done by astronauts.

The two-armed robot, known as Dextre, isscheduled to be launched March 11 on theshuttle Endeavour.

Dextre will perform exterior construction and basic tasks like changing batteries and installing and removing experiments on the space station.

Officials at the Canadian Space Agency say the 3.7-metre robot will reduce the amount of time astronauts have to spend outside the space station on routine maintenance.

It will also free up astronauts so they can spend more time on scientific activities.

With its rotating joints, torso and five cameras, Dextre can be used as a sort of snap-on tool for the Canadarm2 on the space station.