Animal-Morphing Bio-Inspired Mechatronic Systems: Research Framework in Robot Design to Enhance Interplanetary...

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Mechanical Engineering
• Biomimetics and Bio-inspired Design
• Planetary Science and Exploration

Background:

• The space race has been propelled by advanced mechatronic systems, particularly bio-inspired robots for planetary exploration.
• While no robots currently operate on the Moon, significant progress has been made in designing biomimetic systems tested in analog environments.
• Biomimetics offers crucial features for space systems, including autonomy, adaptability, and robustness, inspired by biological organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review and bibliometric analysis of animal-inspired robotic hardware for planetary exploration.
• To classify and compare limbed and limbless bio-inspired robots for locomotion in soil and sand.
• To present a novel methodology for designing bio-inspired robots for lunar surface or subsurface exploration.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of literature up to July 2024, supported by bibliometric analysis of 482 Scopus-indexed papers.
• Classification of bio-inspired robots based on animal morphology and locomotion methods (e.g., wriggling, undulating, rolling).
• Analysis of technical features including actuators, sensors, and mechanisms in animal-inspired robotic systems.

Main Results:

• The review identified significant progress in designing biomimetic systems for granular environments, with robots inspired by worms, moles, snakes, lizards, crabs, and spiders being most published.
• A classification and comparison of limbed and limbless robotic systems highlight various locomotion strategies adapted for planetary regolith.
• The study demonstrates the potential of biomimetic approaches for advancing space robotics through the design of biomechatronic systems.

Conclusions:

• Biological morphologies offer a viable and advantageous approach for designing robots for lunar surface and subsurface exploration.
• The presented methodology provides a framework for developing advanced space robotics by mimicking animal characteristics.
• Further development of biomechatronic systems inspired by nature holds significant promise for future space exploration missions.