Bioinspir Biomim
December 2023
Key features for space exploration equipment, and in particular drills and sampling mechanisms, are low weight, small size, and energy efficiency. These characteristics are substantially required not only in reducing the spaceship flight cost, but also in extending the exploration time on the extraterrestrial bodies. This article experimentally investigates the feasibility of a novel drill bioinspired by wood-wasp and sand-fish lizard as an integrated robotic solution for rover exploration tasks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomimetics (Basel)
August 2020
The dual-reciprocating drill (DRD) is a low-mass alternative to traditional drilling techniques biologically inspired by the wood wasp ovipositor, which is used to drill into wood in order to lay its eggs. The DRD reciprocates two halves lined with backwards-facing teeth, enabling it to generate traction forces that reduce the required overhead penetration force. While previous research has focused on experimental testing of the drill's operational and design parameters, numerical simulation techniques are being developed to allow the rapid testing of multiple designs, complementing and informing experimental testing campaigns.
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