China has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered humanoid robot that will be deployed to the Moon as part of the country’s ambitious Chang’e-8 mission planned for 2029.
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Developed by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the 100-kilogram robot is designed to assist in transporting and installing scientific instruments across different lunar locations before China’s planned crewed Moon landing.
The robot combines a humanoid upper body equipped with two robotic arms and a four-wheeled base powered by solar panels, enabling it to navigate the Moon’s challenging terrain.
HKUST professor Gao Yang said the project would mark a major milestone for China’s lunar exploration programme.
“We are very proud of this design,” Gao told the South China Morning Post, adding that the robot’s onboard AI system can identify and track objects while independently planning and carrying out tasks.
The robot is expected to explore a different section of the Moon’s south pole than the area targeted by the upcoming Chang’e-7 mission, which is also expected to feature a humanoid robot.
China has accelerated its space ambitions in recent years and aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030, intensifying competition with the NASA lunar programme.
NASA is targeting a return to the Moon through the Artemis IV mission, currently scheduled for 2028. However, the programme has faced repeated delays linked to technical challenges involving SpaceX and its Starship Human Landing System.
Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine previously warned that continued delays could allow China to overtake the United States in the race to return humans to the Moon.
