China has taken a major step towards mining resources in space - scientists from the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) have unveiled the first multifunctional space robot designed for mining on asteroids and the Moon.
The robot, developed by a team led by Professor Liu Xinhua, is designed to operate in low-gravity environments. Unlike humanoid robots, it has six limbs - three with wheels and three with claws - which allow it to move over uneven surfaces and stay steady while drilling.
One of the main problems of mining in space is the stability during drilling, which on Earth is provided by gravity. On the Moon or asteroids, however, gravity is much weaker. Scientists have therefore designed special insect-inspired "claws" that allow the robot to cling to the surface and remain stable while handling tools.
The robot is equipped with a biomimetic motion system that allows it to traverse craters and uneven terrain. The prototype has already been successfully tested in a simulated lunar soil environment and has been filed for patent protection.
According to Professor Liu, the robot was able to walk, dock and collect samples in tests - confirming the functionality of its revolutionary design. The development of this robot paves the way for future "intergalactic miners" and other missions beyond Earth.
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