China plans to launch first humanoid robot astronaut into space

BEIJING: A Chinese robotics firm has announced an ambitious initiative to send a humanoid robot into space, positioning the country at the forefront of efforts to deploy robot astronauts for future exploration missions.

Shenzhen-based Engine AI said Monday it has partnered with Beijing Interstellar Human Spaceflight Technology to begin development of its PM01 humanoid robot for spaceflight, with the long-term aim of making it the "world's first robot astronaut." The company says the robot is being upgraded to withstand the extreme conditions of space — including vacuum, microgravity and radiation — and to carry out complex autonomous tasks that could reduce risk for human crews.

Engine AI describes the PM01 as a lightweight, high-dynamic platform with advanced environmental sensors, rapid motion control and decision-making capabilities. The firm and its space partner plan to refine the robot's adaptability and resilience, although no launch date has been announced.

"Space exploration places far greater demands on robots than any Earth-based application," Engine AI said in its announcement, underscoring the technical challenges ahead.

The initiative reflects broader growth in China's humanoid robotics sector, where local companies have increasingly pushed into embodied artificial intelligence and autonomous machines. According to market research cited by CnEVPost, the global humanoid robot market surged in 2025, with Chinese manufacturers accounting for much of the growth.

Experts say robots capable of performing maintenance and dangerous tasks could become vital companions on space stations and deep-space missions, easing workloads for astronauts and extending mission capabilities. China's space program has previously tested robotic assistants aboard the Tiangong space station, where AI-enabled machines help crew members with routine chores in microgravity.

The PM01 effort marks a significant step in China's pursuit of robotic spaceflight, blending commercial innovation with growing ambitions in orbital and deep-space operations.