Science and Technology question from JKAS Prelims, 2018 by JKPSC
What is the name of the robot (to assist astronauts) that has been sent to the International Space Station (ISS) atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
Last updated Jun 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
CIMON
Key Details About CIMON
Acronym: CIMON stands for Crew Interactive Mobile companion.
Development: It was developed by Airbus in collaboration with IBM for the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Mission Profile: It was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during the CRS-15 commercial resupply mission in June 2018.
Technology & Function:
CIMON is a 3D-printed, medicine-ball-sized plastic sphere that operates as an AI-powered, free-flying assistant.
It uses IBM Watson AI for natural language processing to interact with astronauts, recognize their voices and faces, and help guide them through complex onboard scientific experiments.
It propels itself through the microgravity environment of the ISS using 14 internal fans.
Origin of the Other Options:
GERTY: The fictional AI robot from the 2009 sci-fi movie Moon.
KITT: The fictional self-aware, talking car from the 1980s television series Knight Rider.
DORAEMON: A famous fictional robotic cat from the iconic Japanese manga and anime series.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
