Revolutionary Robot Showcases Cutting-Edge Gripping Technology in Outer Space

Robot Shows Off Gripping Skills in Space

by Clarence Oxford

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 10, 2025

Recently, a new gripping technology was tested in space. On February 4, 2025, an Astrobee robot, with its unique tentacle-like grip, successfully grabbed a target known as a “capture cube.” This impressive feat shows promise for future tasks such as removing space debris and helping satellites.

NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley developed this technology. The Astrobee system includes three cube-shaped robots named Bumble, Honey, and Queen. These robots are equipped with cameras and sensors to navigate the International Space Station (ISS). They use electric fans to move around in the weightless environment.

Astrobee robots are not just for moving around—they also have perching arms. These arms allow them to hold onto handrails and secure objects, which helps save energy and makes them even more useful for future space missions.

The success of this new gripping technology is a big step for robotic operations in space. Enhanced robotic skills could help with satellite repairs, managing space debris, and other complex tasks beyond our planet.

Image credit: NASA/Suni Williams

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