This weird-looking humanoid robot could help China conquer the moon: scientists

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ling XinMarch 14, 2026 at 01:00 PM

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Chinese researchers are developing a semi-humanoid robot on a wheeled platform to aid in the construction and operation of China's planned lunar research station by 2035. Designed for mobility and dexterity, the robot will perform tasks like construction, maintenance, scientific experiments, and sample analysis on the moon's surface. Its design features a rotating waist, flexible hand, and durable metal mesh wheels for stability and adaptability to the harsh lunar environment. The wheeled base provides a stable platform for the upper body to perform delicate operations. This project follows previous examples of humanoid robots in space, such as NASA's Robonaut, and leverages China's experience with wheeled rovers like Yutu and Zhurong.

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