Eels conceptual art map.
Image source: National Aerospace Bureau/Jet Promotion Laboratory
A team of robotic experts in the Jet Promotion Laboratory of California Institute of Technology in the United States cooperated with the scientist of the Institute of Robotics of Carnegiekmelon University to develop a snake -shaped robot to investigate the terrain of Saturn’s sixth largest satellite Turkishi, so as to use it to investigate the terrain of SaturnFind the “clues” of life.Related research papers were published in the new issue of Science · Robotics.
Most of the Tuwei two surfaces are covered by ice.Earlier studies have shown that the surface of the satellite surface is complex and changeable, including flat ice surface, ridges caused by the ice cubes, and meteorites caused by asteroid impacts.Scientists have recently discovered that Tutken also has an underground ocean.The detector observed that the water -based hame -shaped objects were ejected from the south of the satellite, which made them doubt whether the satellite was cold under the cold surface of the satellite.
In view of this, the research team designed and built a robot prototype “Foreign Biology-Foreign Life Examinee” (Eels) to explore Titani and find signs of life in it.
This robot prototype is about 4 meters long and consists of the head and other parts of the computer.The other parts are connected by the spherical connector, and the spherical connector enables each part to rotate independently. Each part is also equipped with a spiral external structure for sports.
Eels can run independently.It moves on the ice by rotating the spiral outer structure, sniffing the ice while moving, and then testing whether the captured material shows signs of life.It is also equipped with multiple sensors and cameras to help choose the direction.If it is stuck, it can also drive back.