Russia to launch teleoperated space robot Teledroid in 2026

MOSCOW, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to launch a flight-ready prototype of a teleoperated anthropomorphic space robot, known as Teledroid, to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026, Russia's leading space research institute announced on its website Tuesday.

The robot, whose name is short for "teleoperated android," is designed to assist astronauts with tasks outside the space station, helping to reduce risks and costs associated with spacewalks, the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash) said.

TsNIIMash said the flight model for Teledroid has been manufactured and is currently undergoing final tests. After the completion of these checks, the robot is scheduled to be delivered to the ISS starting from June 2026. Members of the Russian segment's 75th ISS expedition, planned for August 2026 to March 2027, are expected to operate the robot in orbit.

Teledroid is a torso-type anthropomorphic robot with human-like arms, hands and head, designed specifically for work in open space and in a vacuum, under radiation and extreme temperature conditions. Unlike earlier space robots, such as NASA's Robonaut-2, which was tested only inside the station, Teledroid is intended for external operations during extravehicular activities. ■