Dec 07 (V7N)- Chinese scientists have developed a robot inspired by cats that could transform asteroid exploration. Designed by researchers at the Harbin Institute of Technology, the four-legged robot mimics the agility and flexibility of cats, particularly their ability to adjust their posture mid-air and land on their feet, even in low-gravity environments.

The groundbreaking robot features a specialized control system that allows it to move its legs in a coordinated manner and adapt its posture during falls, much like a cat. This design enables it to navigate the challenging terrains of asteroids with ease, reducing the risk of getting stuck. Details of the research were published recently in the Journal of Astronautics.

The development comes as space exploration agencies worldwide are focusing on creating robots capable of functioning in low-gravity environments. In 2018, Japan's space agency achieved a milestone by deploying two small hopping rovers on the asteroid Ryugu, located 280 million kilometers from Earth. Their success spurred efforts to design even more advanced exploration robots.

Earlier this year, ETH Zurich in Switzerland introduced Spacehopper, a three-legged robot designed for asteroid and moon exploration. These innovations signal a shift toward creating adaptive robots that can operate in unique and harsh extraterrestrial environments.

With the cat-inspired robot, China's contribution to asteroid exploration highlights the potential of biomimicry in advancing space research. This innovative approach may pave the way for more efficient exploration of distant celestial bodies in the future.

END/RH/AJ