DEPLOYDatabase

Robot model

Robonaut 2

humanoidresearchby NASA JSC Robotics

NASA's dexterous humanoid robot, first humanoid in space (2011).

Track Robonaut 2
Manufacturer
NASA JSC Robotics
Form factor
humanoid
Maturity
research
Lifecycle
active

The verified answer

As of Oct 2026, DEPLOY verifies Robonaut 2, a humanoid by NASA JSC Robotics (research). 3 sources back the record.

Overview

NASA's dexterous humanoid robot, first humanoid in space (2011). 7-DOF arms, 12-DOF hands. Co-developed with GM. Deployed on ISS for maintenance tasks.

Verified vs. claimed

Maturity stage
research(Lab-stage only; no commercial or public deployment reported.)
Sources on file
View all sources →

No verified deployments on file. DEPLOY tracks independently-sourced deployment evidence separately from manufacturer capability claims.

Key facts

Form Factor

humanoid

Maturity

research

First humanoid in space

NASA says Robonaut 2 became the first humanoid robot in space when it launched to the International Space Station in 2011 (Robonaut 2).

Dexterous manipulation

NASA describes Robonaut 2 as a highly dexterous humanoid with vision, sensing, tendon hands, control algorithms, and tool-handling capabilities for work alongside astronauts (About Robonaut).

Data & sources

Web sources

3

3 sources backing this record.View all →

Pricing

No verified price is on record for Robonaut 2. Physical-AI systems are often sold through enterprise contracts or operated as a service rather than at a public list price.

How DEPLOY tracks pricing

Recent activity

Every change to this record is dated, sourced, and independently verified where marked.

Full change history →

Safety record

No incidents on record for Robonaut 2.

Only active incidents are counted. Retracted incidents are excluded from this summary but remain reachable at their canonical URLs.

Sources (3)

  1. https://humanoidindex.org/research/nasa-jsc-robotics
  2. https://www.nasa.gov/robonaut2/
  3. https://www.nasa.gov/robonaut2/what-is-a-robonaut/

Common questions

What is Robonaut 2?
NASA's dexterous humanoid robot, first humanoid in space (2011). 7-DOF arms, 12-DOF hands. Co-developed with GM. Deployed on ISS for maintenance tasks.
How much does Robonaut 2 cost?
Robonaut 2's price is not publicly disclosed. DEPLOY has no verified price on record for Robonaut 2 from NASA JSC Robotics. Physical-AI systems like this are often sold through enterprise contracts or operated as a service rather than at a public list price; check the manufacturer for the latest.
Is Robonaut 2 actually deployed in the real world?
Robonaut 2 is at the research stage: it exists, but DEPLOY has no verified real-world deployment on record. Manufacturer capability claims should be read as claims pending independent verification.
Who makes Robonaut 2?
Robonaut 2 is made by NASA JSC Robotics, based in Houston, TX, USA.
Can you buy Robonaut 2?
Robonaut 2 is at research stage and is not yet available for sale.
What are alternatives to Robonaut 2?
On the DEPLOY registry, comparable humanoid robots to Robonaut 2 include Walker S2, Digit, Unitree G1, Atlas.
How does Robonaut 2 compare to Walker S2?
Robonaut 2 and Walker S2 (UBTech Robotics · 18 deployments) are both humanoid robots on the DEPLOY registry. Robonaut 2 has 0 verified deployments on record. Compare both records for specs, safety, deployments, and verified-vs-claimed autonomy.
Is Robonaut 2 a top humanoid?
On DEPLOY's intelligence score, which blends verified deployments, safety, adoption, media, and IP signals, Robonaut 2 ranks in roughly the top 84% of humanoid models tracked by the registry.
What is Robonaut 2's maturity stage?
Robonaut 2 is at the research stage on the DEPLOY maturity ladder (research, prototype, pilot, commercial, production). Research stage means active development without commercial deployments on file.
Where is Robonaut 2 deployed?
No verified deployments of Robonaut 2 are currently on the DEPLOY registry. DEPLOY records deployments only when verified at a named site with a primary source; absence may reflect pre-deployment, research, or manufacturer-internal use.
Is Robonaut 2 safe?
Robonaut 2 has no incidents on record in the DEPLOY registry. This does not constitute a safety guarantee; it reflects the incidents DEPLOY has tracked and verified to date.
Methodology: Verified · 3 sources (no primary) · last reviewed 2026-09-29

Verification posture

Verified

Low confidence

Review state

Stable

Last reviewed 2026-09-29

Maturity + lifecycle

Maturity stage: research

Lifecycle: active

Architectural position

Cohort: humanoid

Sources by quality tier

3
unclassified
Unclassified source

The framework is documented at /methodology. Corrections at /corrections. Reviewer: DEPLOY editorial team.

Methodology surface for Robonaut 2.