Meet China’s moon porter for Chang’e-8 mission: a 4-wheeled robot with 2 arms

China is advancing lunar exploration with a new AI-powered rover designed for the Chang'e-8 mission, scheduled for 2029. Developed by a team led by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the 100kg robot features a humanoid upper body with two arms and four wheels, acting as a versatile porter on the moon. It will transport, deploy, and install scientific instruments and sensors from international teams at designated locations on the lunar south pole, while also collecting surface samples.

Professor Gao Yang, director of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre, highlighted the robot's role as a novel demonstration of humanoid robotics on the moon. The rover is a collaborative effort involving 30 universities and space organizations from Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas. This mission follows Chang'e-7, which is expected to land the first humanoid robot on another part of the south pole, showcasing China's growing capabilities in autonomous robotic systems for deep-space exploration.