A Swiss research group run by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) is preparing robots for future missions to the moon. The group’s project involved equipping three ANYmal robots with measurement instruments that should help them to find minerals on the moon. ANYmal is a four-legged, walking robot that was developed at the ETH and has since been marketed by the ETH spin-off ANYbotics.
The researchers have not just fitted the three walking robots with special equipment, they have also taught them to work in a team. According to a press release from the ETH, they equipped the three robots with various specific skills to do so. For example, one robot is capable of mapping the terrain, while another specializes in precise rock identification. The third robot is an all-rounder that can perform all tasks with less precision. According to the ETH, the ability to work as a team will make the robots robust in the face of a possible failure and increase efficiency.
The ETH has now announced that the project was among the winners of the Space Resources Challenge competition of the European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The award is a research agreement for a year to further develop the technology.
The Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich also took part in the project alongside the ETH. ce/ssp
Innovation hub Greater Zurich Area
Innovation hub Greater Zurich Area
Switzerland and the Greater Zurich Area in particular are world leaders in research, knowledge and innovation. The established exchange between academic institutions and the private sector as well as access to highly qualified specialists make the Greater Zurich Area an innovation hub.
