1 Tahrcountry Musings: Sea Urchin inspired space exploration device

Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Sea Urchin inspired space exploration device

A team of engineers and marine biologists from the University of California have devised a tool, taking inspiration from sea urchins’ (Strongylocentrotus fragilis) intricate mouth and teeth, to sample sediments on other planets. The device was attached to a remote-controlled small rover and used to claw on sand that simulates Martian soil in density and humidity. It is worth mentioning here that a colony of sea urchins can destroy an entire kelp forest by churning through rock and uprooting seaweed. 
Details appear in the latest issue of the Journal of Visualized Experiments.

Have a look at this video also

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