Robo Chimp by William Staniar

Could a robot chimp really be part of space exploration? A German research facility, is trying to make this happen for unmanned lunar missions.

    The robot, nicknamed “Charlie”, has quadruped stability which the creators hope will help the robot move over all sorts of terrain. Charlie can crawl on four limbs, but can also stand up and walk around on two feet making him an able traveler on the moon.

The chimps greatest part about it, is that it can choose how it moves best in certain situations. If there is an incline, it will go down on all fours and crawl. But if there is an open area, it will stand up so that it can get a better view.

    Most robots before, have had single point contact on their feet. Now, this robot has highly equipped technology in its feet. This provides a better moving robot for moon missions.

    Another huge asset to the robotic chimp, is that it has a spine. This allows it to move, putting less weight on the legs. The advanced mobility will help the robot move on the moon, but not until it is space proof. The creators say that it may be a while before Charlie is able to travel to the moon.

    A robo-chimp might not be the only animal that gets to go to space. The German facility is looking at a robotic scorpion and a robotic mantis too.

    This chimp may be the future of space exploration. With this robot, we could find out so much more, about the way our moon works. Soon, we could know a lot more about the moon then we think we know.