Autonomous robots with improved design from NASA are about to roll on Mars

With new innovations, Perseverance self-propelled robots are expected to be more flexible than their predecessors on the planet Curiosity on Mars.

According to the plan, Perseverance will be launched on Mars in July to search for signs of life and the distant past of the Red Planet. The arrival of Perseverance is considered a necessary complement to the Curiosity which has been exploring Mars for the last 7 years.

Drawing on experience from Curiosity, NASA experts refine Perseverance specifications.

Perseverance wheel with improved designs compared to Curiosity. (Photo: NASA).

The wheel of Perseverance has a larger diameter, but the width is narrower than the Curiosity. The wheel cover of Perseverance is 1 millimeter thicker than its predecessor. The groove design outside the wheel cover is also different.

Unlike 24 stripes of Curiosity's chevron pattern, Perseverance is "encrusted" with 48 curved grooves. This design helps Perseverance better withstand pressure from sharp rocks and has better grip when traveling on sand.

Newly designed wheels enable Perseverance to reach speeds of up to 152 m / h.

"By standards with vehicles on Earth, Perseverance is slow. However, by standards on Mars, Perseverance is a prominent player , " NASA said.

The new design makes Perseverance more flexible than its predecessor. (Photo: NASA).

As expected, early next year, Perseverance will reach Jezero crater on Mars. In addition to 23 cameras and 2 microphones, this self-propelled robot will be equipped with Mars Helicopter Mars helicopters, making it more mobile in the process of searching for places to study.

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