Space Luisa Fernanda
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Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · UTC
Launches & Rockets

Japan plans AI robot competition on the International Space Station

Teams will control a robot using artificial intelligence aboard the ISS, with the Space AI Robotics Association organizing the event.

Luisa Marconi
Senior Space Correspondent
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Japan hosts AI robot contest on space station
Japan hosts AI robot contest on space station AI illustrationhow this picture was made
Japan announced plans Sept. 22 to host a competition on the International Space Station in which teams will control a robot using artificial intelligence, according to Nikkei Asia.[1] The Space AI Robotics Association is organizing the event, which is intended to cultivate the next generation of space engineers.[2][3] Separately, a Pikachu toy spent 67 days aboard the ISS as part of a collaboration, completing 1,040 orbits around Earth.[4][5] ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, who launched to the station on SpaceX's Crew-12 mission, was among the seven astronauts aboard with the toy.[6][7][8]
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  1. Japan announced plans on 2026-09-22 to host a competition on the International Space Station in which teams will control a robot using artificial intelligence. · Nikkei Asia
  2. The Space AI Robotics Association is organizing the AI robot competition on the International Space Station. · Nikkei Asia
  3. The initiative is intended to cultivate the next generation of space engineers through the International Space Station competition. · Nikkei Asia
  4. The Pikachu toy completed 1040 orbits around Earth during its 67-day stay on the International Space Station. · Mid-day
  5. A Pikachu toy spent 67 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the collaboration. · Mid-day
  6. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot was among the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station with the Pikachu toy. · Mid-day
  7. Sophie Adenot launched to the International Space Station on SpaceX's Crew-12 mission. · Mid-day
  8. The Pikachu toy floated alongside seven human astronauts aboard the International Space Station. · Mid-day
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