Burrowing Robot for Extraterrestrial Soil Sampling and Anchoring

I propose the development of a novel steerable, burrowing robot for extraterrestrial use. The robot burrows by extending from its tip, like a plant root, while emitting gas out of its tip to fluidize the surrounding soil. In this manner, it can quickly burrow through granular materials while requiring very little penetration force. Potential applications include soil sampling, sensor placement, subterranean exploration, and asteroid anchoring. Development will be split into three phases. First, I will investigate the behavior of the novel burrowing robot concept, leading to a new understanding of the underlying phenomena. Second, I will use this new understanding to develop a basic burrowing robot prototype. Finally, I will develop a family of prototypes specifically designed to meet the requirements of extraterrestrial use.

The robot burrows by extending from its tip, like a plant root, while emitting gas out of its tip to fluidize the surrounding soil. In this manner, it can quickly burrow through granular materials while requiring very little penetration force. Potential applications include soil sampling, sensor placement, subterranean exploration, and asteroid anchoring.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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