Spacewalking astronauts add eyes to giant robot

Spacewalking astronauts stepped outside the international space station Monday to add some eyes and a set of tools to a giant Canadian-built robot.

It was the third spacewalk of shuttle Endeavour's visit to the station.

Each walk is aimed at putting together more of Dextre, the station's giant robot. The last time astronauts floated out, Dextre got arms, while this time, the robot got a tool belt and two cameras that will serve as eyes, although they sit at waist level.

Monday's work should complete Dextre's assembly outside the space station. So far, the 3½-metre robot and both of its three-metre arms have checked out fine.

Dextre, a Canadian Space Agency contribution that cost more than $200 million US, is designed to assist spacewalking astronauts and, eventually, to take over some of their chores.

Its designers envision the robot one day replacing batteries and other space station parts.

Dextre, its name derived from the word dexterous, can lift as much as 600 kilograms, and may be able to perform some precision tasks like handling bolts. It has a sense of touch and is capable of sensing force and movement.