The Archimedean screw for space mining.

From the arid Martian plains to lunar craters, extraterrestrial terrain presents almost insurmountable obstacles for most robot explorers, however, an unexpected solution could change everything: the Archimedean screw, an ingenious concept developed in the 3rd century BC It is now at the center of a new generation of autonomous mining robots.

The need for innovation was evident During the days of NASA's Spirit Rover, you remember, this robotic explorer was trapped in a sand trap on Mars, unable to continue its mission. The lesson was clear: we need locomotion systems capable of facing hostile terrain. and unpredictable.

Inspired by this challenge, a team of European researchers led by the Tallinn University of Technology has revisited the concept of the Archimedean screw, originally designed to transport water in irradiation systems, this mechanism has been reinvented as a highly versatile locomotion system for robots.

The robot's design is as impressive as its Inspiration equipped with four individually controlled Archimedean screws can move in any direction without changing its orientation, a capability known as honoromic planar motion and works when each of these screws acts as a tuator rotating to generate traction and propel the robot on different surfaces.

This system is integrated into a complex network of sensors and control algorithms that monitor each movement with precision. Among the most prominent sensors are the “time of flight” sensors that emit light pulses to measure distances and force sensors that control the pressure exerted by each screw.

This combination allows the robot to adjust its traction in real time, adapting to terrain such as sand, mud, snow and frozen ground. This technology is part of the ambitious robot miners project that seeks to develop autonomous robots for mining in both space and terrestrial environments, by Combining an ancient concept with the most advanced sensor technology Artificial intelligence researchers are not only solving the challenges of space exploration but also paving the way for innovations that could transform our own planet.

We will see these robots conquering the rugged terrain of Mars in the near future, only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Archimedes' legacy is more alive than ever, propelling humanity towards the stars.

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