Rovers are a type of robot typically used in space missions. They are automated mobile units for use on neighboring worlds that enable scientists to capture digital pictures of those worlds. Rovers are also useful for carrying instruments used for scientific research as they can move about on the terrain of another planet. The robot itself and the instruments it uses are capable of carrying out their missions in an autonomous manner.
The mini-rover is an especially small device that weighs less than the regular rover and can carry out a number of operations. The Miro-2 mini-rover is used to gather sample materials from planets by utilizing a robotic drill to obtain the sample collection; it can gather as many as 10 samples. Another mini-rover, called the Solero, was developed by the European Space Administration; it uses a six-wheel design to make it effective on all types of terrain and is solar-powered. A third mini-rover, the Nanokhod, also developed by the ESA, but with the coordinated efforts of industrial professionals in Europe, equals the size of a book. It is used to transport scientific devices at short distances from a landing vessel.
Some robots were designed with nature in mind; for example, the aramies/scorpion robot, another ESA creation still in development, is designed to utilize eight legs, which enable it to crawl rather than roll over different terrain conditions. Its animal-inspired movement enables it to even climb dunes.
The hopping robot is not even 40 cm (approximately 16 in.) in height but can bound over anything in its path up to two meters (about 7 ft.) high. It cannot accomplish such a jump when on earth because of the increased gravitational presence. However, Mars and the moon have much lower gravity, so the hopper can perform higher jumps.
Perhaps the most amazing type of robot in development is the Eurobot. The size of an actual man, it is planned to operate outside the International Space Station to spacewalk in place of humans. Astronauts will operate it remotely from inside the station as it grabs onto handrails outside the station.