Commercial model
Pricing not public
Research prototype; pricing and purchase availability have not been announced.. That usually means the final commercial package depends on deployment scope, services, or negotiated terms.
Robot dossier
HELIOS
Release
May 20, 2026
Price
Price TBA
Connectivity
1
Status
Prototype
Research
Prototype
HELIOS
HELIOS is ORBIT Robotics' four-armed space humanoid research prototype from the ETH Focus Project ORBIT, built for microgravity and orbital operations rather than walking on Earth. ORBIT's official reveal video describes a complete space humanoid with four arms and four hands, while ORBIT's site frames HELIOS as astronaut-assistance hardware for station logistics, cargo handling, maintenance, research, and EVA support. Independent coverage corroborates the legless four-arm architecture, tendon/cable-driven actuation, five-finger hands, roller-contact elbow concept, and current prototype status; public price, retail availability, dimensions, battery details, and operational deployment timing are not disclosed.
Listed price
Price TBA
Research prototype; pricing and purchase availability have not been announced.
Release window
May 20, 2026
Current status
Prototype
ORBIT Robotics
Last verified
May 25, 2026
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Technical overview
Core specifications and system stack
A fast read on the mechanical profile, sensing package, and platform integrations behind HELIOS.
Technical Specifications
Height
Not officially disclosed
Weight
Not officially disclosed
Dimensions
Four-arm/four-hand legless microgravity humanoid architecture; physical dimensions not officially disclosed
Battery Life
Not officially disclosed
Charging Time
Not officially disclosed
Max Speed
Not officially disclosed
Payload
Not officially disclosed
Tech Components
Connectivity (1)
Operational profile
How this robot is configured
Capabilities
9
Connectivity
1
Key capabilities
Four-arm Microgravity ManipulationFive-finger Dexterous GraspingCargo and Inventory HandlingSpace Station Logistics and MaintenanceResearch and EVA AssistanceTeleoperationImitation-learning ResearchPerception for Structured Task Spaces
Ecosystem fit
ORBIT / ETH Zurich research workflow
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About the HELIOS
1Sensor1Protocol9Capabilities
The HELIOS is a Research robot built by ORBIT Robotics. HELIOS is ORBIT Robotics' four-armed space humanoid research prototype from the ETH Focus Project ORBIT, built for microgravity and orbital operations rather than walking on Earth. ORBIT's official reveal video describes a complete space humanoid with four arms and four hands, while ORBIT's site frames HELIOS as astronaut-assistance hardware for station logistics, cargo handling, maintenance, research, and EVA support. Independent coverage corroborates the legless four-arm architecture, tendon/cable-driven actuation, five-finger hands, roller-contact elbow concept, and current prototype status; public price, retail availability, dimensions, battery details, and operational deployment timing are not disclosed.
Pricing has not been publicly disclosed — typical for robots still in development. See all ORBIT Robotics robots on the ORBIT Robotics page.
Spec Breakdown
Detailed specifications for the HELIOS
Dimensions
Four-arm/four-hand legless microgravity humanoid architecture; physical dimensions not officially disclosedThe overall dimensions of Four-arm/four-hand legless microgravity humanoid architecture; physical dimensions not officially disclosed define the robot's physical footprint and determine what spaces it can navigate and what clearances it requires for operation.
Payload Capacity
Not officially disclosedA payload capacity of Not officially disclosed determines what the robot can carry or manipulate. This is a critical spec for practical applications where the robot needs to handle physical objects.
The HELIOS uses ORBIT describes perception for structured task spaces and a path toward autonomy through teleoperation, imitation-learning experiments, and autonomous task policies; exact autonomy stack not officially disclosed as its intelligence backbone. This AI platform powers the robot's decision-making, perception processing, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI stack directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations and adapts to new environments.
HELIOS Sensor Suite
The HELIOS integrates 1 sensor type, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.
This sensor configuration enables the HELIOS to perceive its environment and operate autonomously in its intended use cases. Multiple sensor modalities provide redundancy and more robust perception than any single sensor type alone.
Explore sensor technologies: components glossary · full components directory
HELIOS Use Cases & Applications
Research robots serve as platforms for advancing robotics science and engineering. They enable researchers to test theories about locomotion, manipulation, perception, and human-robot interaction in controlled and real-world environments.
Capabilities That Enable Real-World Use
The HELIOS offers 9 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.
Four-arm Microgravity Manipulation
Five-finger Dexterous Grasping
Cargo and Inventory Handling
Space Station Logistics and Maintenance
Research and EVA Assistance
Teleoperation
Imitation-learning Research
Perception for Structured Task Spaces
Tendon/Cable-driven Lightweight Actuation
These capabilities work together with the robot's 1 onboard sensor type and ORBIT describes perception for structured task spaces and a path toward autonomy through teleoperation, imitation-learning experiments, and autonomous task policies; exact autonomy stack not officially disclosed AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.
Ecosystem Integration
The HELIOS integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.
ORBIT / ETH Zurich research workflow
This ecosystem compatibility enables the HELIOS to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.
HELIOS Capabilities
9
Capabilities
1
Sensor Type
AI
ORBIT describes perception f…
Four-arm Microgravity Manipulation
Five-finger Dexterous Grasping
Cargo and Inventory Handling
Space Station Logistics and Maintenance
Research and EVA Assistance
Teleoperation
Imitation-learning Research
Perception for Structured Task Spaces
Tendon/Cable-driven Lightweight Actuation
Connectivity & Integration
How the HELIOS communicates with your network, smart home devices, cloud services, and companion apps.
Network & Communication Protocols
Network protocols for device communication — enabling the HELIOS to participate in various networking scenarios.
HELIOS Technology Stack Overview
The HELIOS by ORBIT Robotics integrates 3 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers.
Perception — 1 Sensor Type
The perception layer is built on Perception for structured task spaces (specific sensors not officially disclosed). These work in concert to give the robot a detailed understanding of its operating environment. This multi-sensor approach provides redundancy and enables the robot to function reliably even when individual sensors encounter challenging conditions such as low light, reflective surfaces, or cluttered spaces.
Connectivity — 1 Protocol
For communications, the HELIOS relies on Not officially disclosed. This connectivity stack ensures the robot can communicate with cloud services, local smart home devices, mobile apps, and other networked systems in its environment.
Intelligence — ORBIT describes perception for structured task spaces and a path toward autonomy through teleoperation, imitation-learning experiments, and autonomous task policies; exact autonomy stack not officially disclosed
ORBIT describes perception for structured task spaces and a path toward autonomy through teleoperation, imitation-learning experiments, and autonomous task policies; exact autonomy stack not officially disclosed serves as the computational brain, processing sensor data, making navigation decisions, and orchestrating the robot's autonomous behaviors. The quality of this AI platform directly influences how well the robot handles novel situations, adapts to changes in its environment, and improves its performance over time through learning.
Who Should Consider the HELIOS?
Target Audience
Research robots are acquired by universities, government labs, and corporate R&D departments. They serve as experimental platforms for developing new algorithms, testing locomotion strategies, and advancing the field of robotics. Some are also used for educational purposes.
Key Considerations
Open-source software compatibility (ROS/ROS 2), sensor modularity, programmability, available SDK/API quality, community support, and published research papers using the platform are key factors. Documentation quality and the ability to modify both hardware and software are essential for research use.
Pricing
HELIOS does not currently have publicly listed pricing. As the robot is still in development, pricing will likely be announced closer to market availability.
Availability
PrototypeThe HELIOS is currently in the prototype stage. It is not yet available for purchase, and specifications may change before the final product is released.
HELIOS: Strengths & Trade-offs
Engineering compromises and where this research robot excels
What the HELIOS does well
Broad capability set
With 9 distinct capabilities, the HELIOS is designed as a versatile platform rather than a single-task device. This breadth means the robot can handle varied scenarios and workflows, reducing the need for multiple specialized robots and increasing its utility across different situations.
What to consider carefully
Focused sensor set
With 1 sensor type, the HELIOS takes a minimalist approach to perception. While this keeps costs down and reduces complexity, it may limit the robot's ability to handle edge cases or operate in environments that demand multi-modal awareness. Buyers should verify that the available sensors cover their specific use-case requirements.
Undisclosed pricing
ORBIT Robotics has not published a public price for the HELIOS. While common for enterprise-class robotics, the absence of transparent pricing can complicate budgeting and comparison shopping. Prospective buyers will need to engage directly with the manufacturer for quotes, which may vary by configuration and volume.
Currently in prototype
The HELIOS is not yet available as a finished, shipping product. Specifications may change before commercial release, and timelines for availability are subject to revision. Early adopters should account for this uncertainty in their planning.
Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the HELIOS's documented specifications as tracked in the ui44 database. Real-world performance depends on deployment conditions, firmware maturity, and environmental factors. For the most current information, check the ORBIT Robotics manufacturer page or visit the official product page. Use the comparison tool to evaluate these trade-offs against competing robots in the same category.
How Research Robot Technology Works
Understanding the engineering behind this category
Research robots serve a fundamentally different purpose than commercial or consumer models. They are platforms for discovery — enabling scientists and engineers to test theories, develop algorithms, and push the boundaries of what robots can do. The technology in research robots prioritizes openness, flexibility, and access to raw data over consumer-friendly packaging or commercial reliability. Understanding this distinction is important for anyone considering a research robot platform.
Navigation & Mobility
Research robots typically expose their navigation systems at a much lower level than commercial products. Researchers can access raw sensor data, modify SLAM algorithms, implement custom path planners, and test novel navigation approaches. ROS (Robot Operating System) and ROS 2 compatibility is standard, providing a common framework for sharing navigation modules across the research community. This openness enables rapid iteration — a researcher can swap between different SLAM implementations, test new obstacle avoidance strategies, or develop entirely novel navigation paradigms without being locked into a vendor's proprietary stack.
The Role of AI
Research robots serve as physical testbeds for AI algorithms that may eventually appear in commercial products years later. Reinforcement learning, imitation learning, few-shot task learning, and human-robot interaction studies all require robot platforms that can execute AI-generated commands in the physical world. The gap between simulation (where training is cheap and fast) and reality (where physics is unforgiving) makes physical robot platforms essential for validating AI approaches. Research robots must support rapid deployment of new AI models without extensive integration work.
Sensor Fusion & Perception
Research platforms prioritize sensor modularity and data access. Standard mounting interfaces allow researchers to attach custom sensors alongside built-in ones. Raw sensor data streams (not just processed results) are accessible for developing novel perception algorithms. Precise time-stamping and synchronization across sensor streams enable accurate multi-modal fusion research. Many research robots include more sensors than strictly necessary for any single application, providing researchers with rich datasets for developing and testing new algorithms.
Power & Battery Management
Research robots balance operational runtime with practical lab use. Sessions of one to four hours are typical, with quick charging between experiments. Some research setups use tethered power for long-running experiments where battery limitations would interrupt data collection. Power monitoring and logging capabilities help researchers understand the energy costs of different behaviors and algorithms — important for developing efficient approaches that will eventually run on battery-constrained commercial systems.
Safety by Design
Research environments present unique safety challenges because robots are constantly being programmed with untested behaviors. Hardware safety limits (joint speed caps, force limits, emergency stops) must be robust regardless of software commands. Safety-rated monitored stop and speed monitoring ensure the robot cannot exceed safe operating parameters even when running experimental code. Collaborative operation standards apply when researchers work alongside the robot during experiments. Many labs implement layered safety with physical barriers for high-speed testing and open-area operation restricted to validated, lower-risk behaviors.
What's Next for Research Robots
Research robot platforms are becoming more accessible and capable. Cloud robotics enables remote experiment execution and shared datasets. Digital twins and high-fidelity simulators reduce the need for physical hardware time while improving sim-to-real transfer. Standardized benchmarks and open datasets enable fair comparison of results across labs. The democratization of robotics research — through lower-cost platforms, open-source software, and cloud infrastructure — is expanding who can contribute to advancing the field.
The HELIOS by ORBIT Robotics incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the HELIOS, see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.
HELIOS in the Research Market
How this robot compares in the research landscape
ORBIT Robotics has not publicly disclosed pricing for the HELIOS, which is typical for enterprise-focused robotics platforms that offer customized solutions and direct-sales relationships.
With 1 sensor type, the HELIOS takes a focused approach to perception, prioritizing the sensor modalities most relevant to its specific tasks rather than carrying a broad general-purpose sensor array.
As a robot still in prototype, the HELIOS represents ORBIT Robotics's vision for where research robotics is heading. Specifications may evolve before commercial release, and early performance demonstrations should be evaluated with this context in mind.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.
For the full picture of ORBIT Robotics's portfolio and market strategy, visit the ORBIT Robotics manufacturer page.
Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for HELIOS
What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation
From a buying and rollout perspective, the HELIOS should be read as a research platform aimed at labs and development teams validating robotics workflows. ui44 currently tracks 9 capability signals, 1 sensor input, and a last verification date of 2026-05-25. That mix gives buyers a useful first-pass picture, but it is still only the public layer of due diligence, especially when procurement, uptime, and support commitments are decided directly with ORBIT Robotics.
Integration posture
1 connectivity option
The profile lists Not officially disclosed, plus ORBIT describes perception for structured task spaces and a path toward autonomy through teleoperation, imitation-learning experiments, and autonomous task policies; exact autonomy stack not officially disclosed as the AI stack. That is enough to infer the basic network posture, but buyers should still confirm APIs, fleet management, and workflow integration details. ui44 currently tracks 1 declared compatibility link.
Spec disclosure
0/7 core specs public
ui44 currently has 0 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 7 gaps that matter for deployment planning. Missing runtime, charge, speed, or payload details can materially change staffing and site-readiness assumptions.
The current profile is useful for scouting, but it still leaves meaningful operational unknowns. If this robot is heading toward a pilot or purchase discussion, the next step should be a structured vendor Q&A that fills the remaining runtime, charging, payload, safety, or integration blanks before anyone builds ROI assumptions around it.
If you want a faster apples-to-apples read, compare the HELIOS against nearby alternatives in ui44's compare view, then cross-check the underlying AI, sensor, and subsystem terms in the components glossary. For manufacturer-level context, the ORBIT Robotics profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.
Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points
- Ask for real shift runtime under the intended workload, not just standby endurance.
- Confirm how the charging workflow works in practice, including charger count, swap options, and expected downtime.
- Verify travel speed and cycle time if the robot must keep up with people, lines, or service windows.
- Clarify usable payload or tool-load limits before planning material handling or mounted accessories.
Owning the HELIOS: Setup, Maintenance & Tips
Practical guide from day one through years of ownership
Initial Setup
Research robot setup combines hardware assembly with software environment configuration. Unpack and assemble the platform following the manufacturer's documentation. Install the development framework — typically ROS or ROS 2 — and verify sensor connectivity. Calibrate all sensors using the manufacturer's tools and procedures. Set up the simulation environment (Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or equivalent) alongside the physical platform for parallel development. Establish version control for your experiment code and configuration. Document the initial calibration values and system state as your baseline for future reference. Plan network and computing infrastructure to handle the data rates your sensors will generate.
Ongoing Maintenance
Research robots need maintenance that preserves the precision required for valid experimental results. Regularly verify sensor calibration — drift in camera intrinsics or IMU biases can invalidate experiment data. Maintain clean workspace conditions to protect optical sensors. Document any hardware modifications or maintenance performed, as these can affect experimental reproducibility. Update software dependencies carefully, documenting versions used for each experiment. Joint and actuator wear in research robots that perform repetitive tasks should be monitored and factored into experimental design.
Software Updates & Long-Term Support
Research robot software updates require careful management to maintain experiment reproducibility. Document the exact software versions used for each experiment. Test updates in a separate environment before applying to your experiment platform. Contribute bug fixes and improvements back to the community when using open-source frameworks. Be aware that ROS and other framework updates may require code changes in your custom packages — budget time for integration testing after major framework updates.
Maximizing Longevity
Research robots often have longer productive lives than commercial products because they can be upgraded and repurposed. Extend your investment by maintaining clean mechanical and electrical systems, documenting all modifications for future lab members, and keeping spare parts for common wear items. When specific components become obsolete, community forums and lab networks can be valuable sources for replacements. Consider the platform's modularity when planning future research directions — a platform that can accept new sensors and actuators adapts to evolving research questions.
For ORBIT Robotics-specific support resources and documentation, visit the ORBIT Robotics page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at ORBIT Robotics's product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HELIOS?
The HELIOS is a Research robot made by ORBIT Robotics. HELIOS is ORBIT Robotics' four-armed space humanoid research prototype from the ETH Focus Project ORBIT, built for microgravity and orbital operations rather than walking on Earth. ORBIT's official reveal video describes a complete space humanoid with four arms and four hands, while ORBIT's site frames HELIOS as astronaut-assistance hardware for station logistics, cargo handling, maintenance, research, and EVA support. Independent coverage corroborates the legless four-arm architecture, tendon/cable-driven actuation, five-finger hands, roller-contact elbow concept, and current prototype status; public price, retail availability, dimensions, battery details, and operational deployment timing are not disclosed. It features 1 sensor types, 1 connectivity protocols, and 9 distinct capabilities.
How much does the HELIOS cost?
ORBIT Robotics has not disclosed public pricing for the HELIOS. Pricing is typically announced closer to market release. Research prototype; pricing and purchase availability have not been announced.
Is the HELIOS available to buy?
The HELIOS is currently in the prototype stage and is not yet available for purchase. Specifications may change before the final product is released. Follow ORBIT Robotics for updates.
What sensors does the HELIOS have?
The HELIOS is equipped with 1 sensor type: Perception for structured task spaces (specific sensors not officially disclosed). These sensors work together through sensor fusion to provide comprehensive environmental awareness for autonomous operation. See the sensor analysis section for details.
What AI does the HELIOS use?
The HELIOS is powered by ORBIT describes perception for structured task spaces and a path toward autonomy through teleoperation, imitation-learning experiments, and autonomous task policies; exact autonomy stack not officially disclosed. This AI platform handles the robot's perception processing, decision-making, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations, learns from its environment, and improves over time.
How does the HELIOS compare to the TIAGo?
The HELIOS and TIAGo are both research robots, but they differ in key specifications, pricing, and manufacturer approach. Use the side-by-side comparison tool to see detailed differences in specs, sensors, and capabilities. You can also browse other similar robots below.
Does the HELIOS work with smart home systems?
Yes, the HELIOS is compatible with: ORBIT / ETH Zurich research workflow. This ecosystem integration allows the robot to work alongside your existing smart home devices and platforms rather than operating as an isolated system.
How current is the HELIOS data on ui44?
The HELIOS specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-05-25. All data is sourced from official ORBIT Robotics documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Data Integrity
All HELIOS data on ui44 is verified against official ORBIT Robotics sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-05-25. Official source: ORBIT Robotics product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.
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