A-PUFFER
A foldable robot that can access tight spaces
Robot Statistics
Ability
Driving, Folding
Environment
Ground, Surface
Status
Completed (since 2020)Potential Destinations
Earth, Moon, Mars, Icy Moons
Animal Analog: Puffer fish
About A-PUFFER
Inspired by origami, the foldable Autonomous Pop-Up Flat Folding Explorer Robot (A-PUFFER) was developed to scout regions on the Moon and gain information about locations that may be difficult for astronauts to investigate on foot, such as hard-to-reach craters and narrow caves.
Off-the-shelf
The latest in the PUFFER series of robots features an upgraded onboard computer with a wireless radio for communication and a stereo camera for sensing the environment in front of it. The use of commercial off-the-shelf electronics and manufacturing capabilities enables low-cost production of multip
Collaboration
Because each A-PUFFER is small enough to fit in a shoebox, multiple robots can be deployed to work together cooperatively to support Earth science as well as future Mars and icy moon science mission concepts in ways that are not possible with a single rover.
