<p>The paper presents an overview of manipulators and robots that can be used as part of a service spacecraft to implement methods for the active removal of space debris from near-Earth orbits as well as for structure assembly, and spacecraft maintenance. Some of the robots and manipulators described in the paper were originally intended for assembling various structures in weightlessness, for refueling spacecraft (SC) or for conducting inspections as a free-flying spacecraft. The feasibility of their use for active space debris removal should be further investigated, especially with regard to large and heavy structures. Many of the described manipulators and robots are already actively used in space and have proven themselves well.</p>