Japan aims to host AI robot contest on international space station by 2027

Japan plans to host an artificial intelligence robot competition on the International Space Station as early as 2027, according to Nikkei Asia. The competition, organized by the Space AI Robotics Association (SAIRA), based in Tokyo, aims to cultivate the next generation of space engineers. SAIRA, established in July 2026, focuses on developing technologies in space exploration, artificial intelligence, robotics, and simulation through collaboration with universities, research institutions, and companies. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) intends to hold the final round of the competition in the Kibo module of the International Space Station. Qualifying rounds will take place in ground-based simulated space station environments, testing AI models. Winning teams will advance to the final round, where they will control the spherical robot drone Int-Ball2, stored in the Kibo module. Int-Ball2 is designed to take photos and videos in the low-gravity environment of the space station, replacing astronauts.