Tiny Robots Make Giant Leaps on the Moon
A pair of tiny robots, LEV-1 and LEV-2, made history by demonstrating a range of miniaturized technologies during the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) landing on the moon. Their accomplishments included documenting the historic landing of JAXA's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) probe, making Japan only the fifth country to land an unmanned spacecraft on the moon.
The photo captured by LEV-2, a tiny machine about 8 centimeters in diameter, showed that SLIM landed on the surface on January 20, but upside down. This image provided definitive proof of SLIM's successful landing.
LEV-1, the larger robot weighing 2 kilograms, was responsible for communications and mobility. It was equipped with a spring system that allowed it to hop across the moon's surface, making it the first robot to traverse a celestial body with the assistance of a hopping device. This technology could offer a new transit method for probes to hurdle large rocks in the future.
Both robots achieved various other accomplishments. LEV-2 became the smallest and lightest machine to operate on the moon. They also engaged in the simultaneous exploration of the moon together and communicated with each other, marking the first time fully autonomous vehicles explored without assistance from Earth.
The robots have now exhausted their batteries, but their data is being analyzed. This information will be used to improve future space exploration initiatives.
Kimitaka Watanabe, an engineering professor at Doshisha University and the developer of LEV-2, expressed his pride in his creation. He used his experience in toy design to create a simple yet innovative robot that successfully captured the image of the SLIM probe.
Watanabe's inspiration for LEV-2's design came from observing how newly hatched sea turtles climb sloped sand beaches. He replicated this methodology with wheels, allowing LEV-2 to move forward even on steep slopes.
Despite the challenges, Watanabe is satisfied with the outcome. He believes the robots have achieved nearly 100% of their goals and are paving the way for future advancements in space exploration.