China has unveiled an AI-powered humanoid robot developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), destined for its upcoming Chang'e-8 lunar mission scheduled for 2029. The robot, weighing 100 kilograms, features a humanoid upper body mounted on a four-wheeled module, enabling it to act as a porter for transporting and installing scientific instruments on the Moon's surface.
Autonomous capabilities
Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, the robot can identify and track objects, allowing it to plan and execute tasks without human intervention. This autonomous functionality is critical for the mission, as it will operate in the challenging lunar environment where real-time communication delays are significant.
Part of China's lunar ambitions
The deployment of this robotic assistant precedes China's broader goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been rapidly advancing its space programme, with the Chang'e series of missions laying the groundwork for human exploration.
Meanwhile, the United States aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028 under the Artemis IV mission. However, the programme faces potential delays and concerns that it could fall behind China due to technical challenges with SpaceX's Starship Human Landing System. The competition underscores the renewed global interest in lunar exploration and the strategic importance of space capabilities.
