Mars Exploration News
MARSDAILY
China unveils innovative dual-mode robot for planetary exploration
illustration only
China unveils innovative dual-mode robot for planetary exploration
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 12, 2025

A team of researchers from the Harbin Institute of Technology has introduced a cutting-edge dual-mode robot designed to enhance planetary exploration capabilities. The prototype, which weighs approximately 300 grams-comparable to an average apple-boasts an innovative hybrid mobility system that allows it to traverse challenging terrain by rolling on the ground and launching into the air when necessary, according to a report by CCTV News.

Engineered to withstand harsh environments, the robot is available in multiple configurations, including dual-wheel and spherical designs, ensuring adaptability across diverse planetary surfaces. Additionally, it can be equipped with robotic arms for specialized functions. Prioritizing energy efficiency, the robot is particularly suited for Mars exploration, where conserving power is essential for prolonged operations.

The development team has created several iterations of the dual-mode robot, achieving an endurance capability over six times greater than that of other similarly sized devices. By primarily utilizing rolling motion, the robot conserves energy, extending its operational lifespan significantly. Its lightweight, modular design enables customization for various applications, including environmental monitoring, defect detection, and equipment maintenance.

According to Professor Zhang Lixian of the Harbin Institute of Technology, the technology extends beyond space missions, offering valuable applications in subterranean environments such as coal mines and subway tunnels. These capabilities could facilitate construction, maintenance, and exploration of previously inaccessible or hazardous areas. Prof. Zhang emphasized that the prototype has successfully met all intended objectives and is prepared for broader deployment.

Related Links
Harbin Institute of Technology
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
MARSDAILY
NASA Sets Sights on Mars Terrain with Revolutionary Tire Tech
Cleveland OH (SPX) Jan 22, 2025
The mystique of Mars has been studied for centuries. The fourth planet from the Sun is reminiscent of a rich, red desert and features a rugged surface challenging to traverse. While several robotic missions have landed on Mars, NASA has only explored 1% of its surface. Ahead of future human and robotic missions to the Red Planet, NASA recently completed rigorous rover testing on Martian-simulated terrain, featuring revolutionary shape memory alloy spring tire technology developed at the agency's Glenn R ... read more

MARSDAILY
China readies Chang-e 7 for Lunar South Pole mission in search of water ice

NASA Tests in Simulated Lunar Gravity to Prep Payloads for Moon

Astrolab's FLIP rover to ride aboard Astrobotic's Griffin-1 for lunar mission

Thales Alenia Space and MBRSC collaborate on Emirates Airlock Module for Lunar Gateway

MARSDAILY
Astronaut insights from mid mission aboard Tiangong

Chinese Satellite Companies Expand Global Services with Advanced Networks and Constellations

China launches additional satellites for Spacesail Constellation

Shenzhou XIX crew completes second spacewalk mission

MARSDAILY
Scientists analyze asteroid collision impact on climate and ecosystems

A 'city-killer' asteroid might hit Earth -- how worried should we be?

A 'city-killer' asteroid might hit Earth -- how worried should we be?

Rochester's Kevin Righter kept NASA space rocks free from contamination

MARSDAILY
New Study Suggests Trench-Like Features on Uranus' Moon Ariel May Be Windows to Its Interior

NASA Juno Mission Discovers Record-Breaking Volcanic Activity on Io

SwRI models suggest Pluto and Charon formed similarly to Earth and Moon

Citizen scientists help decipher Jupiter's cloud composition

MARSDAILY
SwRI experiments validate theories about Titan's atmospheric sustainability

NASA selects SpaceX for Dragonfly mission to Titan

MARSDAILY
SFL Missions Inc. Secures CSA Contract for HAWC Satellite Concept Study

Multinational research project shows how life on Earth can be measured from space

Study identifies leading continuous methane emitters worldwide

Validation technique could help scientists make more accurate forecasts

MARSDAILY
Mark Sykes' Statement in Support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Busy day of research, lab maintenance, and cargo operations aboard ISS

Space Navigation and Plasma Crystal Research Lead Wednesday's Science Activities

ISS Crew Demonstrates Robotics and Monitors Environmental Conditions

MARSDAILY
Apply for the Davie Postdoctoral Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence for Astronomy

Wobbling Stars Lead to Discovery of Hidden Celestial Bodies in Gaia Data

Scientists measure Earth's cosmic detectability

How Early Earth Supported the Formation of Polyester Protocells

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.