Robotic Rock Climbers

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Robotic Rock Climbers Could Uncover Clues to Mars’ Past

A robot that can scale the faces of steep cliffs might one day help explore Mars and find signs of life. The latest experiments with this “Cliffbot” showed it could help examine places otherwise difficult or impossible for astronauts to safely reach, although further improvements are needed for it to overcome obstacles, according to findings detailed in the journal Astrobiology.

Gullies and canyons with steep cliffs are seen all over Mars. Ancient channels of water may have cut many of these valleys into the rock of the Red Planet, suggesting water may once have flowed on the surface of what is now a dry and dusty world.

Read more...