Planetary research: Innovative Mars rovers 'swim' through the sand
Researchers from Würzburg and Bremen have developed a new Mars rover inspired by the sandfish lizard. This innovative rover features wheels that 'swim' through sand, improving mobility on uneven terrain. The project is part of the VaMEx initiative aimed at exploring Mars's Valles Marineris region.
- ▪The Mars rover's wheels mimic the swimming motion of the sandfish lizard, allowing it to move efficiently through sand.
- ▪Initial tests showed that the rover performs better on sand compared to conventional wheel designs.
- ▪The research team plans to enhance the rover's software to improve its adaptability in granular environments.
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Planetary research: Innovative Mars rovers ‘swim’ through the sand 05/19/2026 Taking inspiration from nature, researchers from Würzburg and Bremen have developed a new Mars rover. Its wheels do not roll; they make swimming motions. The Mars rover with its innovative wheels, which can ‘swim’ through sand, modelled on a desert lizard. (Image: Marco Schmidt / Universität Würzburg) Some animals can move efficiently beneath granular surfaces. These include the sandfish (Scincus scincus), a lizard native to the Sahara: it can burrow into the sand and then literally ‘swim’ through the desert sand to hunt or escape predators. The principles of movement underlying this ability have only been understood for a few years.
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