Little Robot On A Mission To Mars? NASA Makes A Friend For The Mars Rover

NASA is developing a robot that could go where no robot has gone before: over and under difficult terrain on Mars or another planet. The PUFFER -- Pop-Up Flat Folding Explorer Robot -- could traverse ground that a standard rover would get caught on, making a helpful travel companion. The space administration says its Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California is working on the little trooper, which will be lightweight and "was inspired by origami." A NASA video (below) shows how it's done: The robot can fold into itself to squeeze underneath short obstacles or use its tailfin as leverage to propel itself up and over them. And it could last a long time because it has solar panels on its underside so it can recharge. PUFFER wouldn't go on a solo journey to Mars, but would be a teammate that could tag in when a larger rover faces a topographical blockade.