Morphing robot heading for Mars

The new type of robot will be able to take more risks exploring other worlds by changing their shape to suit the terrain.

Tech Culture
NASA robot

There's a new robot in town, and it can shift its shape in order to tackle strange and otherworldly environments. Designed for planetary exploration, the utilitarian rover is being tested at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

From David Chandler's article: "Instead of driving, walking, or rolling around like other vehicles designed to traverse distant, rugged landscapes, the new rover changes its shape and topples along, veering a bit from side to side as it moves ahead. 'We call it the drunken-sailor walk,' says Pamela Clark, one of the designers of the project at Goddard and a professor at Catholic University of America."

Forget glossy or scary humanoid robots--this robot aims to get actually get stuff done.

Source: Technology Review

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