The Chinese space agency has significant ambitions with its space station, Tiangong. A robot named Xiao Hang, meaning “little astronaut,” is being used on Tiangong to assist astronauts in their daily tasks. Currently being tested during the Shenzhou-19 mission, Xiao Hang could play a larger role in the future for the operation and maintenance of the space station.
Xiao Hang is designed to improve human-machine interaction. The crew of the Shenzhou-19 mission has been working closely with Xiao Hang since the mission started on October 29, 2024. The robot can autonomously move in zero gravity, position itself accurately, and take photos on command. According to Wang Haoze, China’s first space engineer, the robot will become more versatile in future missions: “With upgrades, it will be able to perform various functions like cabin inspections and resource management.”
The robot’s software allows astronauts to conduct a variety of experiments related to spatial human-robot relationships, robot behavior characterization, and multimodal interaction technologies. The goal of these experiments is to enhance mission efficiency through more effective interaction between astronauts and robotic systems.
In addition to working with Xiao Hang, astronauts are conducting numerous experiments to explore the effects of microgravity on the human body. These include detailed movement measurements using precise instruments and specialized software. The results aim to provide new insights into how fine motor skills and adaptive learning change during extended space missions.
Another intriguing experiment focuses on the effects of submagnetic fields and microgravity on insects. According to a report by the People’s Daily, the Tiangong team is researching fruit flies. These small insects are the first species expected to reproduce over three generations on the space station. The findings from this study could help improve living conditions for future long-term missions.
The Tiangong space station is about one-fifth the size of the International Space Station (ISS). China plans to keep the station permanently manned for at least another decade. To increase the station’s capacity, additional modules are planned to be added in the coming years.
The use of Xiao Hang and the planned expansion of the station demonstrate China’s serious ambitions to play a central role in international space exploration. While the ISS is expected to be decommissioned in 2030, Tiangong could become the world’s most important permanently manned space station. AI-supported systems like Xiao Hang could not only take over routine tasks but also significantly contribute to enhancing crew safety and mission efficiency.
The implementation of artificial intelligence in space, as seen with Xiao Hang, may represent the future of space exploration. By integrating advanced technology, China is positioning itself as a key player in the field, aiming to maintain a continuous human presence in space and advance scientific research.