CIMON the 3D Printed Voice Activated Assistant Aboard the ISS Plays Kraftwerk for Astronaut Alexander Gerst

While demonstrating the formidable capabilities of the Crew Interactive Mobile CompanioN (aka CIMON) aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the wonderfully prolific and communicative ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst asked the smiling, 3D printed, voice activated assistant to play his favorite song. CIMON responded with “The Man Machine” by Kraftwerk.

Cimon weighs around 5kg and has a display screen at its centre. Its main aim is to support and increase astronaut efficiency by displaying and explaining information needed to carry out scientific experiments and repairs. Other applications include mobile photography and videography and the ability to document experiments, search for objects and maintain an inventory. Cimon can also see, hear and understand what it observes and is equipped with an autonomous navigation system, allowing Alexander to issue voice commands like you would to virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri or Cortana on the ground.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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