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China Prepares to Launch the World’s First Humanoid Robot Astronaut

The idea of robots working in space is not new. Machines have been helping astronauts for decades, from robotic arms on space stations to rovers exploring Mars. But China is now preparing to take a bold step further. A humanoid robot — shaped like a human and designed to move like one — could soon travel into space. If successful, it would become the world’s first robot astronaut.

Chinese humanoid robot maker Engine AI has announced plans to send its humanoid robot PM01 into space. The company believes robots like PM01 can handle some of the most dangerous tasks in space, reduce risks for human astronauts, and even outperform humans in certain missions. This ambitious project marks a major milestone in the global race to combine artificial intelligence, robotics, and space exploration.

A historic partnership for space exploration

Engine AI, based in Shenzhen, has partnered with Beijing Interstellar Human Spaceflight Technology, a commercial space company also known as Interstellor. Together, they have launched the Humanoid Robot Astronaut Exploration Program.

The goal of this program is clear: to prepare and deploy a humanoid robot that can operate in space conditions and perform real mission tasks. According to the companies, the project is not just a technology demonstration. It is meant to open a new chapter in how space missions are planned and executed.

If PM01 successfully reaches space and operates as intended, it would become the first humanoid robot astronaut in history.

Meet PM01: the humanoid designed for extreme missions

The star of this mission is Engine AI’s PM01 humanoid robot. PM01 is a general-purpose embodied intelligent system, meaning it combines physical movement with advanced artificial intelligence. It is designed to see, sense, think, and act in complex environments.

PM01 is equipped with high-precision environmental sensors that help it understand its surroundings in real time. It also features ultra-fast motion response, allowing it to react quickly to changing conditions. Most importantly, the robot has autonomous decision-making abilities, enabling it to act independently without constant human control.

Engine AI gained global attention last year when it claimed that PM01 became the first humanoid robot to successfully perform a front flip. While that may sound like a stunt, it demonstrated the robot’s balance, coordination, and precise motor control — skills that are essential for operating in unpredictable environments like space.

Why space is the ultimate test for robots

Space is far more demanding than any environment on Earth. According to Engine AI, space exploration places extreme requirements on robotic systems. Robots must function in a vacuum, endure microgravity, survive extreme temperature changes, and resist high levels of radiation.

On Earth, even advanced robots operate in relatively controlled conditions. In space, a small failure can have serious consequences. Communication delays also mean robots must make decisions on their own rather than waiting for instructions from Earth.

To meet these challenges, Engine AI will work closely with Interstellor to upgrade PM01 for space use. The focus will be on improving the robot’s reliability, adaptability, and resilience. Over time, the companies aim to make PM01 capable of operating independently during complex space missions.

Why a humanoid robot makes sense in space

One key question is: why use a humanoid robot instead of traditional space machines? The answer lies in design and flexibility.

Space stations, spacecraft, and tools are built for humans. A humanoid robot with arms, legs, and human-like movement can use the same equipment without major redesigns. This makes it easier to deploy robots into existing space systems.

Engine AI says humanoid robots like PM01 could surpass human limits in several areas. Robots do not get tired, do not need oxygen, and are not affected by fear or long exposure to radiation. They can work for long periods in hazardous conditions that would be dangerous for humans.

High-risk tasks such as external repairs on space stations, exploration of unsafe areas, and long-term monitoring missions are ideal for robotic astronauts. By assigning these jobs to robots, human astronauts can stay safer and focus on mission-critical decisions.

A major step in China’s AI and space strategy

The robot astronaut project reflects China’s broader push to lead in both artificial intelligence and space technology. By combining embodied AI with space exploration, China aims to build systems that are not only intelligent but also physically capable in extreme environments.

Both Engine AI and Interstellor have said they will jointly tackle key technical challenges to make PM01 space-ready. Their long-term vision is to position PM01 as the world’s first fully operational humanoid robot astronaut.

If successful, this project could influence how future space missions are designed, not just in China but around the world.

PM01’s growing role on Earth

While preparing for space, Engine AI is also expanding PM01’s use on Earth. In June last year, the company launched a lightweight, highly dynamic version of the robot called PM01 JD Joy Inside. It was made available on JD.com for around $27,000.

This version integrates JD’s Joy Inside AI system, allowing for smoother conversations, coordinated behaviors, and personalized interactions. Users can customize roles, personalities, and even voice styles, making PM01 suitable for research, education, and commercial applications.

The PM01 is designed to help researchers explore the connection between human-like motion and robotic intelligence. It features a bionic structure that closely mimics human movement and a unique waist that can rotate up to 320 degrees.

Compact, powerful, and intelligent

Physically, PM01 is compact and lightweight. It stands 1.38 meters tall and weighs about 40 kilograms. Compared to Engine AI’s larger flagship humanoid robot, SE01, PM01 is shorter and lighter, making it easier to deploy and transport.

The robot’s aluminum-alloy exoskeleton provides strength without sacrificing agility. For vision and spatial awareness, PM01 uses an Intel RealSense depth camera, which allows it to accurately perceive its environment.

Inside, the robot runs on a dual-chip architecture. An NVIDIA Jetson Orin module works alongside an Intel N97 CPU, delivering the computing power needed for complex perception, motion control, and real-time decision-making.

Interstellor’s space ambitions

Engine AI’s partner, Interstellor, is also making big moves in the space industry. On January 22, the company hosted a global event titled “Next Stop, Space,” where it unveiled plans for commercial crewed spaceflight and space tourism.

According to the roadmap, Interstellor’s CYZ1 vehicle could launch as early as 2028, offering passengers a brief zero-gravity experience at an altitude of 100 kilometers. A more advanced mission, CYZ2, is planned for around 2032 and aims to reach an orbital altitude of 400 kilometers, enabling true space tourism.

A glimpse into the future of space missions

The idea of a humanoid robot astronaut once belonged to science fiction. Today, it is moving closer to reality. Engine AI’s plan to send PM01 into space represents a powerful mix of robotics, artificial intelligence, and ambition.

If successful, PM01 could change how humanity explores space — making missions safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. As robots begin to take on the most dangerous tasks beyond Earth, the next era of space exploration may be shaped not only by astronauts, but also by intelligent machines working alongside them.

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