Swiss Researchers Test ANYmal Robot for Autonomous Exploration on Moon and Mars

Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland have conducted trials of a semi-autonomous four-legged robot named ANYmal, designed for exploration on Mars and the Moon. The robot, which resembles a dog, is equipped with a robotic arm carrying a microscopic imager and a Raman spectrometer to identify chemical compositions of rocks.

These tests occurred at the university's Marslabor, a facility simulating the dusty and rocky surfaces of Mars and the Moon.

The objective of the trials was for ANYmal to navigate independently, identify rocks of scientific interest, analyze them, and transmit results without human guidance. In the experiments, the robot successfully analyzed multiple rocks, including gypsum, carbonates, basalts, dunite, and anorthosite. These materials represent sulfate minerals, lunar-analogue rocks, and common planetary formations.

The trials, detailed in a study published in Frontiers in Space Technologies, showed ANYmal completing missions in 12 to 23 minutes autonomously.

Human operators performing the same tasks took 41 minutes. Human oversight resulted in slightly more detailed analyses and marginally higher accuracy. Current Mars rovers, such as those operated by NASA, function under near-constant supervision from Earth and cover only a few hundred meters per day.

The ANYmal tests highlight how autonomous robots could increase exploration efficiency by enabling independent scientific decisions. Legged robots like ANYmal can step over obstacles and navigate variable terrain, accessing areas unreachable by wheeled rovers.

exploration seeks minerals, water, and traces of ancient life on Mars, the Moon, and potentially exoplanets.

Autonomous systems could accelerate these searches by reducing reliance on Earth-based control, which faces communication delays of up to 20 minutes for Mars. The study positions legged robots as potential active participants in scientific missions, capable of detecting biosignatures—chemical indicators of past life.

Following the trials, researchers plan further development to enhance autonomy and accuracy.

Space agencies like NASA and ESA may consider integrating such robots into future missions, affecting timelines for sample returns and habitat site selections. Stakeholders include scientists, engineers, and international space programs focused on sustainable exploration.