The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, a body funded by the German Space Agency, tested the TransTerrA robotic system in the Utah Desert. It consists of a large robot with four legs called SherpaTT and a small rover called Coyote III. Both machines collaborate to explore and map the environment.
SherpaTT and Coyote III, two complementary robots
During the mission, the two aircraft will perform different tasks. The Coyote III is especially suited for explorations. Its compactness favors its balance and the design of its wheels facilitates its progression on the rocks and the potentially dangerous terrains. For its part, the long arm of the SherpaTT allows it to interact with its environment. It can also be used as a communication relay.
In order to recreate conditions similar to the Martian environment, scientists conducted the tests within a dry riverbed in the Utah Desert. In addition, the research team piloted the robots from a control station located in Bremen, Germany, more than 8,000 kilometers from the theater of operations. The tests lasted four weeks and the scientists were able to get a glimpse of the actual capabilities of SherpaTT and Coyote III.
Just in terms of distance, a Mars mission is another challenge. The data collected during this trial will improve TransTerrA.
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