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Valkyrie

Valkyrie

NASA’s Valkyrie is a 1.9m humanoid robot with 44 DOF, advanced sensors, and AI, designed for autonomous operation in space exploration and hazardous environments.
In Development
USA
Humanoid
2013
Specifications
Dev Doc
Website
Made by
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Software Type
Closed Source
Software Package
AI-driven perception and decision-making algorithms. Real-time control and motion planning software. Teleoperation interface and autonomy modules.
Actuators
High-torque, energy-efficient electric actuators provide smooth and precise joint movements, enabling Valkyrie’s dexterous manipulation and mobility.
Compiute
Onboard high-performance processors handle sensor fusion, AI algorithms, and real-time control, supporting both autonomous and teleoperated modes.
Sensors
Stereo cameras, LIDAR, inertial measurement units, and force/torque sensors provide comprehensive environment perception and feedback.
Max Op. time
mins

Robot Brief

Valkyrie, also known as R5, is a full-sized humanoid robot developed by NASA’s Johnson Space Center to assist in future space exploration missions, including Mars expeditions. Designed to operate in harsh, unstructured environments, Valkyrie stands approximately 1.9 meters tall and weighs around 136 kg. It features a highly dexterous and robust design with 44 degrees of freedom, enabling complex manipulation and mobility tasks. Valkyrie is equipped with advanced sensors, including stereo cameras and LIDAR, for environment perception and autonomous navigation. It integrates sophisticated AI and control systems to perform tasks such as climbing ladders, opening doors, and using tools, which are essential for assisting astronauts or operating independently in space habitats. The robot’s modular design allows for upgrades and adaptations to various mission requirements. Valkyrie represents a significant step toward autonomous robotic assistance in space, aiming to reduce human risk and enhance mission efficiency.

Use Cases

Valkyrie performs complex tasks in unstructured and hazardous environments, such as space habitats or planetary surfaces. It can navigate rough terrain, manipulate tools, open doors, climb ladders, and assist astronauts by performing routine or dangerous tasks autonomously or via teleoperation. Its AI enables adaptive decision-making and environment interaction, supporting long-duration missions where human presence is limited.

Industries

  • Space Exploration: Assists in planetary surface operations and habitat maintenance.
  • Research & Development: Platform for advancing humanoid robotics and AI.
  • Disaster Response: Potential for use in hazardous Earth environments.
  • Industrial Automation: Complex manipulation tasks in unstructured settings.

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Specifications

Length
mm
Width
mm
Height (ResT)
mm
Height (Stand)
-
1900
mm
Height (Min)
mm
Height (Max)
mm
Weight (With Batt.)
-
kg
Weight (NO Batt.)
-
136
kg
Max Step Height
-
mm
Max Slope
+/-
-
°
Op. Temp (min)
-
°C
Op. Temp (Max)
-
°C
Ingress Rating
-
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Intro

Valkyrie stands 1.9 meters tall and weighs approximately 136 kg. It features 44 degrees of freedom distributed across its limbs, torso, and head, enabling human-like dexterity and mobility. The robot’s sensor suite includes stereo cameras, LIDAR, and inertial measurement units for 3D environment mapping and navigation. Valkyrie’s modular design supports easy upgrades and customization for different mission profiles. Its control architecture combines onboard AI with remote teleoperation capabilities, allowing flexible operation modes. The robot is powered by high-performance actuators and processors optimized for energy efficiency and real-time control.

Connectivity

  • Wireless communication for teleoperation and data transmission.
  • Sensor data integration via high-speed buses.
  • Interfaces for external control and monitoring systems.

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Capabilities

  • 44 degrees of freedom for complex, human-like motion.
  • Autonomous navigation using stereo vision and LIDAR.
  • Tool manipulation and dexterous hand control.
  • Climbing and traversing uneven terrain.
  • Teleoperation and autonomous task execution.
  • Modular hardware for adaptability and upgrades.

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