Abstract: In extreme environment of the space, most of Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) has to depend on the aid of robotic manipulator. As a main part of International Space Station (ISS), robotic manipulator is playing a crucial role in the on-orbit assembly, external maintenance and the operations of ISS, and it therefore allays the working time and frequency of astronauts EVA. This paper reviews the development of the robotic manipulator based on ISS member countries' research, including shuttle remote manipulator, space station remote manipulator, European robotic arm, Japanese experiment module remote manipulator and German manipulator. It is expected that the concerning research will provide some references for the design of Chinese robotic manipulator.