With the weight of  70 mg only, the robot can stand a 20 times bigger pressure and move a 5 times heavier load.
Experts of the holding Russian Space Systems (RSS, a part of the state corporation Roscosmos) have engineered a microrobot-centipede for operating in the outer space. The news has been reported by the press service of the company.
"The microrobot walks on at least eight "legs" with special adhesive coating, which enables it to stick to surfaces under zero gravity. Each of its legs has a "foot", which can change the angle while moving. Thanks to this feature the mirorobot can walk on various surfaces. In a more advanced version the "foot" is expected to get an additional array of smaller "legs", the company promises.
With the weight of  70 mg only, the robot can stand a 20 times bigger pressure and move a 5 times heavier load. In contrast to the analogues now created in the  world, the Russian-based microrobot centipede on the basis of developed platform will be able to navigate through rough, stepped and sloping surfaces. Its prototype can operate at temperatures ranging from -200 to 200 degrees Celsius out of the earth atmosphere, and be resistant to radiation.
In the next stage of work the robotic platform is planned to be equipped with various types of payloads. Afterwards space experiments aboard the International Space Station will be conducted.
"This development will provide the basis for advanced autonomous microrobotic devices that will be helpful in inspecting hard to reach areas on the surface and in the interior compartments of the spacecraft, as well as the positioning of the vehicle's modules," - the experts of the holding added.