Nasa's snake-like robot with an aim for Saturn's moon

NASA is currently conducting trials on an innovative robot with a snake-like design, capable of autonomous exploration in untapped regions on both the Moon and Mars. (Credit: Nasa/JPL)

The inspiration behind the development of this self-propelled, autonomous robot stemmed from the ambition to explore the slender, geyser-emitting vents within the icy surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The primary objective is to search for potential signs of life within the underlying ocean.

During a field test in February 2023 at a ski resort in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, a variant of JPL's EELS robot elevates its sensor head in the snowy environment. (Credit: Nasa/JPL)

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Utilizing lidar and four sets of stereo cameras, the EELS head visually perceives and interprets the world, generating a 3D map of its surroundings. (Credit: Nasa/JPL)

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Propulsion, traction, and grip on icy surfaces and in loose materials such as snow and sand are achieved through the use of independently actuated counter-rotating screws.

The EELs architecture has been tailored to accommodate the challenges posed by crevasse envelopes, ensuring adaptability throughout its journey from the surface to the ocean. (Credit: Nasa/JPL)

Comprising numerous identical segments, the EELS architecture embodies a snake-like, self-propelled robot. Each segment houses both actuation and propulsion mechanisms, along with the necessary power and communication electronics to operate them. (Credit: Nasa/JPL)

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