Burrowing mole-bot could characterize other planets' soil
by Andy Tomaswick, Universe Today

Burrowing under soil opens up a whole new world, especially when that soil is on other planets. Getting under the top layer of regolith on a world such as Mars could give access to a world still extant with life, whereas, on the moon, it could lead to discovering a water source.
Over the past 30 years, scientists have been developing robots based on the model of one of Earth's most familiar burrowing machines—the mole. Although past models have faced a series of setbacks in their attempts to operate on extraterrestrial surfaces, research continues to push the boundaries of robotics inspired by such unique animals.
A recent paper from a research team at Guangdong University of Technology in China outlines their impressive attempts to emulate moles in their engineering pursuits. This research is documented in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems, and highlights both the potential and challenges of developing these advanced robotic systems.
To provide context for the ongoing research, previous notable robot models include the Planetary Undersurface Tool (PLUTO) which reached Mars but could not be tested due to issues with the associated Beagle 2 lander. Similarly, another mission named Insight tried to deploy a heat flow probe designed to burrow into Martian soil, yet encountered unforeseen challenges which halted its progress.
“The challenges of burrowing on Mars illustrate the complexities of planetary exploration and the potential for novel robotics to enhance our capabilities in this frontier.” – Dr. Tao Zhang, Lead Author
Burrowing Mechanism of Moles
The research emphasizes the two effective digging patterns that different species of moles utilize. One is generally recognized as shoveling dirt using their robust forearms, while the other relies on their powerful teeth to bite the dirt and use their limbs for mobility. Studies on mole kinematics have provided important insights into how they navigate through the soil and shift material around.
Challenges in Robotic Design
Recent advancements in biomimetic robotics showcase the intricate design process involved in creating robots that integrate mole-like features for burrowing. Current prototypes are focused on mimicking the actual shape and movement patterns of moles.
Robot Component | Function | Challenges Faced |
---|---|---|
Forearms | Dirt Shoveling | Coordination with hind limbs |
Teeth | Dirt Biting | Durability against harder soil |
Sensors | Navigational Awareness | Adapting to variable conditions |
Motors | Movement Execution | Power Sufficiency |
Prototype Testing
To simulate Martian or lunar regolith conditions, the team created a bed of plastic particles and put their robot prototype through tests. Initial successes were observed in getting the robot to burrow into the simulated soil. However, complications arose in generating the characteristic tunnels that moles typically create.
Future iterations of the robot aim to incorporate refined techniques that would enable it to not only burrow but also crawl, run, and potentially swim. This multi-modal locomotion can significantly increase its navigational capabilities across diverse terrains, thus enhancing its effectiveness as a planetary exploration tool.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
As research on the mole-bot progresses, it represents a groundbreaking step toward utilizing biomimicry in extraterrestrial soil exploration. While challenges remain, the potential for these robots to uncover critical data from beneath planetary surfaces is both inspiring and essential for the advancement of space science.
For further reading, please refer to the original publication:
Tao Zhang et al, Mole‐Inspired Robot Burrowing with Forelimbs for Planetary Soil Exploration, Advanced Intelligent Systems (2024). DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202300392
More information: NASA InSight's 'Mole' is out of sight