Robotic arm utilizes top technologies

Mechanism will assist operations, connect modules for space station

A robotic arm mounted on the core module of China's space station has world-class technologies and capabilities, according to a researcher with knowledge of the station program.

Pang Zhihao, a retired spaceflight researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology, said on Wednesday that the robotic arm on the Tianhe module is the most advanced and sophisticated of its kind ever developed by China.

"The arm is 10 meters long when fully extended. It has several motorized joints, which allow it to act like a human arm to the maximum extent possible," he said.