Japan Sends Robots Similar To Transformers To Explore The Moon

SpaceX rocket launch into space (NASA doc)

JAKARTA - The moon is currently the main goal of a lot of space research. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is no exception, which is reportedly working on a joint project with Sony to send a transforming robot to the Moon.

Launching the Gizmodo page, Monday, May 31, the project was carried out at Doshisha University, with toy manufacturer Takara Tomy to create a robot that can change shape like a ball. The plan, the robot will be sent to the Moon before a manned rover is scheduled for 2029.

The innovative robot, dubbed the 8.8oz Bot, weighs 2.49 kg and is 3-inches in diameter, and will be transported in a spherical shape before opening to its full configuration when it reaches the Moon.

Transformation robot made in Japan (doc. Gizmodo)

Later in full configuration, this robot will study the Moon and take photos of the Moon. The transformable Moon Robot will be a very compact and very light robot, due to which it can traverse the Moon's harsh environment.

According to the iSpace page, the robot's small size, which is roughly the size of a baseball, contributed to the reduction in volume during transportation to the Moon. Therefore, it is also expected to play an active role in future lunar exploration missions.

"We are honored that JAXA has entrusted payload transport service Buvvlan iSpace to deliver its robot to the Moon and lay the framework for future exploration of the lunar surface," said iSpace Founder & CEO Takeshi Hakamada.

"We are also pleased to make history as the first commercial service provider for a government lunar surface mission in Japan."

It is known that JAXA started working on this project in 2016, with Sony joining in 2019 and Doshisha joining earlier this year. In collaboration with iSpace, JAXA will launch a robot using the commercial HAKUTO-R lander in 2022