Hong Kong establishes Space Robotics and Energy Center to support national space missions

（ECNS）-- The Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center has been established under the InnoHK initiative to support the country's Chang'e-8 mission, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on Sunday.

Led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the center is developing a multifunctional lunar surface robotic that also serves as a mobile charging station.

Yu Hongyu, director of HKUST Space Science & Technology Institute, said the robot features dual robotic arms capable of deploying instruments, installing equipement, and colloecting lunar surface samples.

Once the Chang’e-8 lander touches down, the robot will be tasked with unloading additional scientific instruments or sensors and transporting them to designated deployment sites.

Designed to perceive the lunar terrain in real time, the robot can plan and optimize its movement paths.

Researchers have even developed specialized software tailored to the Moon’s low gravity and harsh environment, allowing the robot to autonomously adjust its posture and operational functions as conditions change, Yu said.

Another standout feature is its ability to serve as a mobile charging station for other lunar equipment.

The center brings together HKUST, multiple local and mainland universities, the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and the South African National Space Agency, among others.

According to local Innovation and Technology Commission, the center is expected to train approximately 20 PhD students and employ over 70 researchers in related fields.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to build Hong Kong’s foundational capabilities in space technology, driving innovations from the conceptual stage through development, production, testing, and system implementation.