Introducing Helios: The Four-Armed Humanoid Robot for Space Missions
“The future is here”: Why this humanoid robot needs four arms

Image: Notebookcheck
The ETH Focus Project ORBIT Robotics has unveiled Helios, a humanoid robot designed specifically for space operations. With four arms instead of legs, Helios aims to assist astronauts by improving efficiency in cargo handling and maintenance tasks, which currently consume a significant amount of crew time and resources.
- 01Helios is designed to support astronauts on space stations, focusing on tasks like cargo unloading and inventory management.
- 02Currently, maintenance tasks account for about 35% of crew time, costing approximately $140,000 USD per astronaut hour.
- 03The robot's four arms replace legs, making it more effective in microgravity environments where legs are less useful.
- 04Helios features a tendon-driven design for its arms, allowing for lighter construction and smoother movements.
- 05A unique rolling contact joint at the elbow combines strength and compliance for operational tasks.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 21, 2026, the ETH Focus Project ORBIT Robotics introduced Helios, a humanoid robot designed for future space missions. Unlike traditional humanoid robots like Tesla's Optimus, Helios boasts four arms instead of legs, which enhances its functionality in microgravity environments. In space, legs are ineffective for navigation, making arms more advantageous for performing tasks. Helios aims to assist astronauts by streamlining labor-intensive tasks such as cargo unloading and inventory management, which currently consume 35% of crew time and cost around $140,000 USD per hour for each astronaut. The robot's innovative design incorporates a tendon-driven mechanism for its arms, positioning motors near the shoulders and utilizing cables for movement, resulting in a lighter and more agile structure. Furthermore, Helios features a rolling contact joint at the elbow, enabling a balance of strength and gentle control, ideal for various operational tasks in the challenging environment of space.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think humanoid robots will significantly improve efficiency in space missions?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





