Super-Ball Bot could Explore Other Worlds

Dec-24-13 The sproingy Super Ball Bot folds to a compact size and requires no wheels to move—two key features that could make it ideal for exploring distant planets.

The bot is built using the concept of tensegrity, in which rigid components are connected by flexible materials. Because the device has no single point of failure, it can survive impacts, such as landing or tumbling off a cliff. The robot can also deform itself, which would allow it to move more efficiently through environments that can challenge wheeled rovers.

The first destination on the ball-shaped robot’s list may be Saturn’s moon, Titan.

More Info about this Invention:

[IEEE.ORG]
[NASA]

---