first crane was assembled in space during STS-96 and STS-101. The second crane was launched alongside Pirs itself. The cranes were later moved to the docking compartment Poisk and Zarya module. Comparison with Canadarm2 The Canadarm2 is a large robotic arm on the US Orbital Segment of the station. Due to the similarities between the ERA and the Canadarm2 a comparison can be made between the two. Both arms perform Station maintenance, are able to move supplies and equipment, inspection of the station, as well as aid astronauts during spacewalks. Where they differ is that the ERA is able to function completely automatically or semi-automatically, as well be directed either from inside or outside the station. The Canadarm2 has to be controlled by a human, whether that be by astronauts on board the ISS or be a ground team at the CSA headquarters or NASA The ERA is less powerful and smaller than the Canadarm2 as it is not required to dock spacecraft with the station. Due to the difference between the grapple fixtures between the ROS and the USOS of the station, the Canadarm2 is only able to operate on the USOS while the ERA is only able to operate on the ROS. Both arms are able to move around from point to point, end-over-end on the station, with them being able to self-relocate. The ERA is in length, shorter than the Canadarm2 which is in length. The ERA is also lighter by , with the arm being as opposed to the Canadarm2's 1,800 kg (4,000 lb). The maximum payload mass of the ERA is , as opposed to the Canadarm2's maximum payload mass at 116,000 kg (256,000 lb). Gallery See also Canadarm, which was used on the Space Shuttle Mobile Servicing System (MSS), also known by its primary component the Canadarm2, used on the ISS The Japanese Remote Manipulator System, used on the ISS JEM module Kibo References Components of the International Space Station Robotic manipulators 2021 in spaceflight Space robots Science and technology in Europe European Space Agency