In their recent video, the ESA’s Advanced Concepts Team (ACT) shows off a series of robotic technologies that would transform rovers into multiuse machines capable of mapping terrain, performing geologic experiments, and selecting sites for colonies.
Beyond creating versatile rovers, the ACT also envisions planetary missions that include several types of heavy machinery. These include autonomous robots that can disassemble landers, six-wheelers that can haul heavy loads, and alternate configurations that can build habitats or act as earth movers.
The ESA has also started to explore new robotic morphologies that could make detailed planetary mapping and exploration a quick and easy process.
From 3D printing colonies off-world to robots that can adapt to any situation, no one would accuse the ESA of conservative thinking. But if their researchers can keep up their current pace of innovation, it’s only a matter of time until their ambitious plan becomes a concrete reality.
Images and Video Courtesy of ESA