Chinese researchers working on six-legged robot for future lunar missions

Chinese researchers are working on the development of future hexapod robots, aiming to achieve a qualitative breakthrough in the robot for lunar exploration. The six-legged robot offers enhanced stability, smoother motion, and superior load-bearing capacity, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday.

When the hexapod robot walks, it raises three legs at a time, while the remaining three form a stable triangular base to support the body. This allows the robot to maintain stability even if one leg is damaged.

The robot's body will be fully controllable, with enhanced stability, fluid motion, and robust load-bearing capabilities, Gao Feng, a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who is in charge of the robot's development, was quoted as saying in the report.

"For future lunar robot development, we have also created an integrated landing and walking robot, to achieve a significant breakthrough in lunar exploration technology," said Gao.

China's lunar exploration program is set to undertake two more launch missions to pave the way for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), with the first mission scheduled as early as 2026, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced in September.

The plan includes the Chang'e-7 mission in 2026, followed by the Chang'e-8 mission around 2028.

Chang'e-7 will focus on surveying the lunar South Pole's environment and resources, while Chang'e-8 will validate technologies for in-situ resource utilization, crucial for future lunar construction. The ILRS is projected to be established by 2035, according to Bian Zhigang, deputy director of the CNSA.