Robot Bees to Assist Settlement of Mars
Submitted by tatwood on Sat, 04/07/2018 - 14:04
![](https://www.the-nref.org/sites/default/files/styles/620px_wide/public/NASA%20Mars%20BEE_edited-1.jpg?itok=BdMamfP2)
21stcentech.com reported that each Marsbee will carry an integrated suite of sensors and wireless communications, and will have a body size approximately that of a bumblebee. A mobile charging base will serve as a communications relay station for swarms of Marsbees. Engineers foresee very low power requirements for these flying sensor packages. The design may include a torsional spring at the wing root to store energy and facilitate flapping motion. Testing will be performed in a vacuum chamber adjusted to simulate Martian air density. Illustration: JOSH MCCANN / SHUTTERSTOCK. Check out the extensive technical reporting on robotics and automation at 21stcentech.com!