{
  "id": 19837867,
  "title": "Shape-Shifting Robotic \"Slugs\" Could One Day Crawl Across Alien Worlds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/shape-shifting-robotic-slugs-could-one-day-crawl-across-alien-worlds",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-13T17:10:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Universe Today",
    "slug": "universe-today",
    "url": "https://www.universetoday.com/articles/shape-shifting-robotic-slugs-could-one-day-crawl-across-alien-worlds"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent study published in Nature Machine Intelligence, researchers from Colorado State University’s Adaptive Robotics Lab have unveiled an innovative robotic design known as the Tensegrity-based Continuum Robot (TeCoBot). This shape-shifting robot, reminiscent of the tensegrity structures popularized by architect Buckminster Fuller, aims to revolutionize space exploration by providing robots with the ability to adapt to harsh environments.\n\nThe TeCoBot differs from traditional robots, which often employ wheels or rotors, as it utilizes a unique tensegrity mechanism. This system combines rigid rods with elastic cables, allowing the robot to bend and twist in any direction, much like an elephant's trunk. The cylindrical robot, measuring about 2 feet long and weighing 600 grams, features four stacked tensegrity modules that create a continuous, flexible backbone. Each module consists of six lightweight rods enclosed within a stretchy 3D-printed lattice structure. By manipulating three cables connected to small motors at the base, TeCoBot can bend, scrunch down, or even crawl along surfaces.\n\nWhat sets the TeCoBot apart is its modularity, made possible by the swappable claws at its ends. Engineers can attach soft-padded claws for delicate tasks or replace them with heavier-duty grippers for tasks requiring more force. This adaptability allows the robot to perform various functions, such as inching along, rolling sideways, and even climbing vertically. Additionally, the robot exhibits \"embodied intelligence,\" enabling it to naturally adapt to changes in its environment without the need for complex control systems.\n\nThe TeCoBot's modular design also allows for cooperative behavior when multiple robots are combined. Three TeCoBots can self-assemble into various shapes, such as wrapping around a large pipe or forming an H-shaped walker to traverse tight spaces. The researchers envision these capabilities as being particularly useful for exploring the Moon's craters and Mars' underground caverns. While the current version requires manual control via WiFi, the researchers plan to enhance the design with faster motors and swarm intelligence, enabling dozens of these robots to work together in the future. Despite the TeCoBot still being in its early stages, its unique combination of adaptability and modularity could pave the way for reliable robotic explorers in the vastness of space.",
  "summary": "Robots have been a mainstay of our early space exploration efforts. But they normally have wheels. Or in some cases, rotors. While those solutions are great on flat ground, they struggle with jagged boulders or tight crevices. So engineers have been working on alternative robotic form factors, and a recent paper in Nature Machine Intelligence from researchers at Colorado State University’s…",
  "key_points": [
    "TeCoBot robot adapts shape using tensegrity mechanism",
    "Modular design allows swapping claws for different tasks",
    "Multiple TeCoBots can self-assemble for cooperative tasks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}