Tools for Space and Hazardous Environments
Space and other hazardous environments are difficult places to operate in. Retrieving samples and data present new challenges in the search for greater understanding of other bodies in the solar system and obtaining new mineral resources. For example, drilling is difficult in low-gravity environments, equally working through ice-covered terrain to the bedrock below. Fortunately, overcoming the hostile terrestrial environments can be used as a testbed for extra-terrestrial activity. The SHEAR group are working on projects intended for Antarctica and Mars.
The use of ultrasound to enhance drilling without using a drillbit on a self-assembling robot is just one solution.
