Valkyrie, also known as R5, is an advanced humanoid robot developed by NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in 2013. Originally designed for the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC), Valkyrie was built in just 15 months to operate in degraded or hazardous environments. The robot’s design drew from previous NASA humanoid projects, including Robonaut 2.

Standing 190 cm (6’3″) tall and weighing 125 kg, Valkyrie is fully electric and powered by a 1.8-kWh dual-voltage battery. Its swappable battery system allows for extended operation. The robot features 44 degrees of freedom, with advanced series-elastic actuators in its arms, legs, torso, and hands. Covered in soft fabric and foam, it is built for durability and safety.

Development and Purpose

Valkyrie was designed to assist in disaster response, space exploration, and planetary missions. Its agility, dexterity, and mobility allow it to navigate human-engineered environments, climb stairs, open doors, and manipulate objects. The robot includes an array of sensors, such as Carnegie Robotics Multisense SL cameras, lidar, and force-torque sensors, enabling advanced perception and autonomous operation.

In 2016, NASA distributed Valkyrie robots to MIT, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Edinburgh for further research and development. The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) contributed walking algorithms to enhance Valkyrie’s locomotion.

Advancements and Future Plans

Following its DRC appearance, Valkyrie underwent major upgrades, including improved hands, redesigned ankles, and enhanced perception sensors. NASA aims to deploy humanoid robots like Valkyrie for space missions, including lunar and Martian exploration. As part of NASA’s Game Changing Development Program, Valkyrie represents a crucial step toward autonomous robots supporting astronauts in space.

For more details, visit nasa.gov/