When science reaches a roadblock, nature provides an answer.
Inspired by the trembling, quivering leaves of the Aspen tree, researchers from the University of Warwick in Coventry, England are turning to biomimicry in order to come up with a new energy-harvesting mechanism that could provide energy to a rovers’ power sensors regardless of what environment they’re in. Biomimicry refers to ‘sustainable solutions to human challenges using emulations of nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.’
This new plan comes after the unfortunate loss of Opportunity, NASA’s veteran Mars rover that stayed on the red planet for almost 15 years, before succumbing to a massive dust storm that prevented its solar-powered sensors from powering up.
Researchers say that the mechanism that will be inspired by Aspen leaves “might also serve a backup energy supply that could save and extend the life of future Mars rovers.” So far, quite a few scientists are already working to develop the project further.
“The performance of the Mars rover Opportunity far exceeded its designers’ wildest dreams but even its hard-working solar panels were probably eventually overcome by a planetary-scale dust storm,” says Petr Denissenko, an engineering professor from University of Warwick that also co-authored a new paper on the subject. “If we could equip future rovers with a backup mechanical energy harvester based on this technology, it may further the lives of the next generation of Mars rovers and landers.”
