Technology
Swiss university develops hopping robot to explore asteroids
Students at ETH Zurich University in Switzerland have developed a three-legged robot that could ultimately make its way across the surface of asteroids through a series of long-distance hops, the university announced on its website Thursday.
The robot, known as the SpaceHopper, will be used on space missions to explore relatively small celestial bodies such as asteroids and moons which may contain valuable mineral resources that humanity could use in the future, it said.
According to the university, the exploration of these celestial bodies should also provide insights into the formation of the universe.
Read more: Webb Telescope makes groundbreaking water discovery in solar system's asteroid belt
It said the programme was launched two and a half years ago as a research project for bachelor’s degree students.
It is now being continued as a regular research project by five master's students and one doctoral student.
A particular challenge in the development of such exploration robots is that in contrast to larger celestial bodies such as the Earth, there is very little gravity on small celestial bodies, said the university.
The researchers therefore tested the functionality of their robot in zero gravity on a parabolic flight of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United FC odds, picks and predictions
FC Cincinnati vs. NYCFC odds, picks and predictions
NFL Monday Night Football prop bets Week 12 2024: Ravens vs. Chargers
Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and predictions
Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions
UMass vs Temple Prediction 11-23-24 College Basketball Picks
-
Technology21h agoAI harm is often behind the scenes and builds over time – a legal scholar explains how the law can adapt to respond
-
Technology1d agoAwkwardness can hit in any social situation – here are a philosopher’s 5 strategies to navigate it with grace
-
Technology1d agoNo need to overload your cranberry sauce with sugar this holiday season − a food scientist explains how to cook with fewer added sweeteners
-
Technology1d agoThere Is a Solution to AI’s Existential Risk Problem
-
Technology2d agoPublic health surveillance, from social media to sewage, spots disease outbreaks early to stop them fast
-
Technology2d agoWhy a Technocracy Fails Young People
-
Technology2d agoTransplanting insulin-making cells to treat Type 1 diabetes is challenging − but stem cells offer a potential improvement
-
Technology3d agoShould I worry about mold growing in my home?