First talking `robot astronaut` takes off for International Space Station

London: The world`s first talking robot "astronaut" blasted off for the International Space Station on Sunday.

The 13-inch tall Kirobo said the mission was "One small step for me, a giant leap for robots" as he prepared for launch from Tanegashima, in south western Japan, the Mirror reported. Kirobo will keep Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata company when he arrives at the ISS in November. Designer Tomotaka -Takahashi made the robot to see how machines can lend support to isolated people. ANI