Russian Scientists Build Robot Assistant for the ISS

Engineers at Moscow State University are designing a free-floating AI-powered robot to take over routine astronaut tasks and support motion experiments in zero gravity.

A research team from Moscow State University’s Institute of Mechanics is building an autonomous robot designed to assist astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The robot, currently in prototype form, is intended to handle mundane tasks while also serving as a platform for studying motion control in microgravity.

The device is a cube measuring 30×30×30 centimeters, outfitted with impellers for propulsion and an internal airlock system. It navigates autonomously through the station using onboard cameras and can perform duties like photographing scientific experiments and monitoring the condition of onboard systems. At this stage, the robot is being tested in a ground-based simulator that mimics the ISS environment.

In future iterations, the robot is expected to shrink in size. Its artificial intelligence system will be refined to communicate with astronauts and interface with the ISS's onboard infrastructure, making it adaptive to changing mission conditions.

The project was unveiled by lead engineer Anton Rogachyov during the BRICS+ Open Science Week in Rio de Janeiro, a forum aimed at promoting scientific progress and strengthening global collaboration in advanced technologies.