▲ Three animal robots testing their performance in a simulated lunar environment. Source = ETH Zurich / Takahiro Miki Humanity has conducted several missions by sending space exploration rovers to the surface of Mars and the Moon. Thanks to the vivid photos sent by rovers such as Perseverance and Curiosity, we have been able to explore the diverse terrain and minerals of Mars without going there. As such, although the exploration rover has achieved great results, in fact, there are also major weaknesses. The biggest limitation is that it is difficult to overcome uneven terrain or terrain with a slight steep slope to move using relatively small wheels.
To overcome this shortcoming, the European Space Agency (ESA) has put together a design competition that will make it more effective for its upcoming lunar exploration project and other planetary exploration missions, such as Mars. As a result, the ANYmal robot developed by the research team at ETH Zurich in Switzerland was selected and received research funding for further development.
Animal is a dog-like quadrupedal robot that has been improved over the years. The four legs, which were awkward at first, have also been improved to move quickly across various terrain, and the wheels have been added to make them move faster than hanging on flat ground. It also has the ability to recognize the terrain and move autonomously.
Animal robots modified for space exploration are being tested at the European Space Agency’s Resource Innovation Center (ESRIC) in Luxembourg. Instead of one robot, the research team plans to put three robots on the mission simultaneously.
The first robot surveys the terrain using a camera and laser scanner, while the second robot examines interesting minerals using a Raman spectrometer and a microscope camera. The last robot is in charge of general exploration missions. They can check each other’s status, carry out missions together, or help each other out in times of trouble.
The research team explained that not only three quadrupedal robots can cooperate with each other. Small flying robots such as the Perseverance Rover and Mars Helicopter Injenuity can be added to quickly assess the surrounding terrain, or traditional wheeled rover rovers can be included in the mission to accompany the mission. By mobilizing multiple robots, it will be possible to quickly find valuable resources such as ice on the lunar surface, and easily find minerals and meteorites of high scientific value.
However, before actually committing to missions to the moon or other planets, scientists need to verify that this design is the best choice. Therefore, the three animal robots are currently being tested in simulated environments similar to those on the lunar surface.
In the case of a quadrupedal robot, it has the advantage of being able to pass through various terrains, but it is not a proven design for durability and reliability like a traditional motor and wheeled rover. If it breaks down on the surface of the Moon or Mars, it is virtually impossible to return to Earth for repairs, so like the rover, it must prove that it can perform its mission without repair or maintenance for a long time.
The European Space Agency is participating in the Artemis project in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to send humans back to the moon. And in the future, we plan to send several exploration instruments and robots to the lunar surface. Research results are drawing attention to whether quadrupedal robots will be able to jump on the moon in the near future.
Gordon Jung Science Columnist [email protected]
