date of publication:
September 10, 2022 0:50 GMT
Update date: September 10, 2022 1:40 GMT
Researchers from Texas A&M University, USA, are working on developing a technology to discover the surface of planets using robots that walk on legs instead of wheeled robots, in line with the nature of dusty sand on Mars.
The researchers tested the ability of the new robots to navigate various types of icy and sandy surfaces and in challenging environments.
And new robots allow to improve the process of collecting information from the surface of the Red Planet, in light of its ability to overcome various obstacles.
Currently, the US Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) uses wheeled vehicles to discover the surface of Mars and the Moon and conduct its research.
Several space agencies have also successfully sent wheeled discovery vehicles to the Moon and Mars.
Wheel robots work according to pre-programmed systems, which require scientists and engineers to specify instructions for movement and movement, before the robot reaches the surface of the planet, which impedes the robot’s movement when facing an unexpected situation, as well as the difficulty of adhering to the pre-established plan.
Pre-programming also limits the robot’s ability to move freely, reach new locations, and make unprecedented scientific discoveries.
Researcher Ryan Ewing, a co-author of the study, pointed out that the integration of robotics science with astronomy, planetary and cognitive sciences, could lead robots to new astronomical discoveries in the coming period.
The researchers seek to test the new generation of robots with high mobility and achieve the goals of discovery and scientific research.
“We seek to integrate walking ability with human sensing, perception and decision-making techniques, into a technology that studies the properties of the external soil,” said Ewing. According to the MyWebSor website.
The researchers inspired the abilities of walking by legs from animals living in harsh environments, while employing modern direct driving technology.
Robots can sense their environment; Such as the softness of sand and the shapes of rocks, and interaction with them by changing their movement pattern to suit this environment.
A sense of the surrounding environment facilitates the process of collecting information about it, and adjusting movement strategies according to it.
The researchers tested the new technology at two locations on Earth, similar to the surface characteristics of Mars and the Moon, to measure the quality of sensing and control.
The technique allows to determine the characteristics of the soil; Such as particle sizes and shapes, as well as soil moisture, chemical composition and ice content.