NASA is working on the next generation of humanoid robots at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, aimed at supporting astronauts during missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. On September 28, 2026, the agency showcased the progress of its Dexterous Robotics team, which includes sixteen engineers designing machines that can operate in the harsh conditions of the lunar environment. These robots are not intended to replace human crews but to assist them by handling tasks in dangerous or irradiated areas, reducing the need for astronauts to go outside their spacecraft. One of the earliest robotic projects, Robonaut 2, spent seven years on the International Space Station, performing tasks in microgravity and demonstrating that a robot could function reliably in space. After returning to Earth in 2018, it paved the way for newer models. Since 2013, Valkyrie, a bipedal robot, has been the agency’s main humanoid prototype. Many of the engineers who worked on these two robots now form the core of the Dexterous Robotics group, building on over fifteen years of experience to create the next generation of machines. The lab at the Johnson Space Center is divided into two main areas: one focused on combining software with physical components, and the other on simulation and analysis tools. Most team members are skilled in both areas, allowing them to switch between different projects, such as working on a rover one day and an articulated arm the next. To support this work, NASA has created a specialized testing platform called iMETRO, which includes models of space vehicles, simulated habitats, and robotic systems. The platform features an outdoor rock field that mimics the lunar surface and uses open-source software to test the performance of robotic components. Using iMETRO, companies like PickNik have developed software for robotic arms that can recognize and open spacecraft hatches, transferring cargo between the hatch and a storage bin. A NASA intern also created a digital tool to maintain a space freezer, which was tested on the same platform. These technologies are expected to play a key role in building the Moon Base, a planned permanent human outpost on the Moon. The group is also considering how these robots might be used in future Mars missions, despite challenges like intense solar radiation, corrosive lunar dust, and the effects of reduced gravity. NASA is even inviting the public to submit ideas for solving these challenges. Shaun Azimi leads the Dexterous Robotics lab, emphasizing that more advanced robots could help astronauts focus on their most important tasks. Private companies are already working with NASA to adapt these technologies for other uses, such as in energy and gas industries. The first humanoid robots may accompany astronauts on upcoming missions under the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future exploration.