Chinese astronauts have successfully tested a new maintenance robot on the Tiangong space station during the Shenzhou-19 mission.

The robot, designed to maintain complex pipework, passed through various pipe shapes and sizes with ease, thanks to its flexible hydraulic tube feet inspired by marine animals.

Equipped with sensors and the ability to adapt autonomously, the robot can safely navigate the station’s complex environment.

The test, which also featured an emergency extraction feature, provided valuable data for future space applications, Interesting Engineering has reported.

This is one of several experiments conducted during the Shenzhou-19 mission, including testing artificial photosynthesis for oxygen production.

Written by B.C. Begley