NASA selects Northrup Grumman for a new space maintenance robot

Northrop Grumman have been selected by NASA to source several new technologies for space exploration. Among them is a cool (and mildly sinister looking) robot. This robot will be used for repair and maintenance of the outside of space vehicles in order to reduce crew risk on EVAs.

Other interesting projects include a stowable heat shield, and a "space ferry" for hauling materials and people between the moon and lunar orbit.

Driving these new technologies is NASA's new vision for space exploration (pdf).