It Seems the Chinese Have the First Humanoid Robot Connected to a Satellite
China has reportedly achieved a significant milestone in the field of robotics by establishing a direct link between a humanoid robot and a satellite. The event took place in Beijing and involved a sophisticated machine known as the Embodied Tien Kung. This development could fundamentally change how autonomous machines operate in remote environments. The trial was conducted by the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics which is also known as X-Humanoid.
The primary objective of this experiment was to demonstrate that robots can function without relying on traditional ground networks. Most modern robots depend heavily on Wi-Fi or cellular connections to receive commands and transmit data. This reliance limits their usefulness in areas where such infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent. The engineers wanted to prove that a satellite link could bridge this gap effectively.
For this specific test the Embodied Tien Kung connected to a satellite provided by the company GalaxySpace. This satellite operates in a low Earth orbit and uses phased array technology to maintain a strong signal. The robot was able to identify the satellite as it passed overhead and established a stable connection. It then proceeded to transmit visual data back to a command center in real time.
The demonstration involved a practical scenario where the robot had to complete a physical task. It approached an unmanned vehicle to retrieve a symbolic certificate. The machine then carried this item to a different location while continuously sending telemetry data. Observers noted that the video feed remained clear at 720p resolution and showed no significant lag.
This successful connection suggests that humanoid robots could soon be deployed in disaster zones or vast wilderness areas. Rescue teams often face communication blackouts when entering regions affected by earthquakes or floods. A robot capable of linking directly to space assets would remain operational regardless of the local conditions. The ability to send live video from a first person perspective is particularly valuable for search and rescue missions.
The test also highlighted the capacity of the satellite network to handle multiple devices simultaneously. A Xiaomi 17 smartphone and a computer terminal were connected to the same network during the experiment. This integration demonstrates a broader potential for a unified communication ecosystem involving humans and machines. The successful trial marks a major step forward for the Chinese aerospace and robotics industries.
Engineers believe that this technology will eventually allow robots to work autonomously in some of the most isolated places on Earth. Future iterations of these machines might patrol borders or monitor wildlife in deep forests. The combination of advanced robotics and satellite internet removes the leash that has previously kept these machines close to civilization.
Please share your thoughts on whether satellite connected robots are the future of exploration in the comments.
