China Tests "Robotic Dogs" to Aid Lunar Colonization
A lava cave environment in a Chinese province is becoming the testing ground for two prototypes of "robotic dogs."
According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese researchers are developing "robotic dogs" for lunar exploration, and two types of such robots are currently being tested in a cave in northeastern China.
This cave is located in Heilongjiang Province and was formed by lava flow. Its terrain and geological characteristics are highly similar to the lunar surface, making it an ideal place to test robots. Researchers believe that the experience gained in such environments holds immeasurable value for preparing for actual lunar exploration missions.
The two "robotic dogs" have distinct features: one resembles an armadillo, equipped with flexible "mechanical arms" and a sturdy mobility platform, capable of exploring complex terrain areas; the other looks like a salamander, using a wheeled mobility design, enabling it to survey various terrains.
Researchers plan to use the "robotic dogs" to study lunar lava tubes — these tubular tunnels could potentially be used to protect lunar bases from radiation and low-temperature environments in the future. The "robotic dogs" will act as "surveyors," entering areas inaccessible to humans to collect data on soil, temperature, and radiation.
This project is part of China's lunar exploration program, which includes lunar soil sample collection missions and planning for a crewed lunar base. Researchers hope that the development and application of "robotic dogs" will be the first step toward human long-term presence on the Moon. These robots are multifunctional and can operate in extreme environments, making them ideal tools for space exploration.
Current cave test results show that the "robotic dogs" are capable of performing lunar exploration tasks. Researchers are further optimizing their performance to enhance mission adaptability. China has been committed to realizing the vision of building a lunar base, and the development of "robotic dogs" is a significant step toward this goal.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7556659531272323603/
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