China has deployed an “intelligent” robot named Xiao Hang to assist astronauts on its Tiangong space station, marking a significant step in human-robot collaborative interaction technology. The Shenzhou 19 crew has been working alongside the robot using advanced software to conduct experiments and enhance mission efficiency.
Xiao Hang is capable of navigating microgravity environments, taking photos, and performing tasks such as cabin inspections and resource management through future upgrades. The astronaut-crafted experiments aim to assess the impacts of sub-magnetic fields and microgravity on insects, fine motor control, and adaptive learning mechanisms in long-term space missions.
The Tiangong space station, launched in 2022, is a permanent orbital outpost that will be occupied and operational for at least 10 years. The country plans to expand the facility with additional modules as part of its growing space sector.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/smart-robot-helps-out-astronauts-on-chinas-tiangong-space-station-video