5546633 <\/p>\n
NASA rovers sent to explore other worlds could have several tiny origami-inspired robots tagging along. <\/p>\n
The Pop-Up Flat Folding Explorer Robot (PUFFER) is an origami-inspired robot capable of flattening itself out to squeeze into tight spots and climb a 45-degree slope. These robots can even survive long falls that would shut down other rovers. <\/p>\n
NASA wants to send PUFFERS to support future missions to other planets, including the agencys planned 2020 mission to Mars. <\/p>\n
They can do parallel science with a rover, so you can increase the amount youre doing in a day, Jaakko Karras, PUFFERs project manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), said in a statement. We can see these being used in hard-to-reach locations squeezing under ledges, for example. <\/p>\n
WATCH:<\/p>\n
Each PUFFER has a tiny tail for stability, a high-resolution microimager camera and solar panels on its belly. PUFFERs use their tail to flip to recharge their batteries. NASA wants to add scientific instruments to the tiny robots. <\/p>\n
NASAs most recent Curiosity Mars rover weighed 2,000 pounds. NASA says PUFFERs will weigh about as much as a smartphone. <\/p>\n
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