NASA is planning on launching the first human-like robot, or Robonaut, later this year. Apparently it's going to join the International Space Station as a permanent member of the team, but I don't know if it will be receiving equal rights. On the other hand, the Robonaut doesn't have anything but a torso, arms and head, so it isn't even close to being half a man.
This robot is the second model, called Robonaut 2 or "R2," which is an awesome coincidence in relation to R2D2, which may or may not stand for "Reel 2, Dialogue 2." Anyway, the robonaut will be working alongside humans in outer space, and maybe even on manufacturing plants here on earth.
The droid is scheduled to launch on the Discovery sometime in September and will be confined to operations in the station's laboratory as it cannot move around. However, in the future the robot may be enhanced with other mechanical body parts so that it can move freely around the space craft, participating in other jobs. This would probably be especially helpful for operations occurring outside of the craft.
While people may be deterred by the concept because robots may be potentially snatching up jobs that could be taken by humans and enhancing the economy, NASA stresses that the robots will be working "not as replacements [...] but as companions that can carry out key supporting roles" (John Olson, Director of NASA's Exploration Systems Integration Office). Considering the fact that machine can do things man can't do and vice versa, we may be able to accomplish far more than ever before just by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each.
An obvious strength of the robonaut is the fact that it has human-like arms and hands, so issues such as space gloves which are too large for dexterous movement will not be an issue. Also, when the robonaut receives legs, it can perform space walks that are too dangerous for humans or go places with environments too extreme for life to withstand.
Right now, the droid is undergoing extensive testing, including vibration, vacuum and radiation. Once everything is cleared, I think we can expect many more droids being created and sent into space and factories to assist us fragile humans.
Article: NASA to Launch Human-Like Robot to Join Space Station Crew
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