German scientists created lizard-inspired wheels for Mars rovers

Scientists from the University of Würzburg and University of Bremen have developed innovative wheels inspired by an African lizard that moves through sand with extraordinary efficiency. The new technology is ideally suited to Mars's sandy conditions.

A scientist from the University of Würzburg, Marco Schmidt, working in collaboration with the University of Bremen, achieved a breakthrough in Mars rover mobility technology by developing an entirely new wheel design created specifically for sandy surfaces.

Inspiration came from a small African lizard that can move through loose sand remarkably quickly and efficiently. Scientists studied the biomechanics of the lizard's legs and body movements, then applied the knowledge gained to wheel design.

From nature to engineering

Solutions borrowed from biological nature, known as biomimetics, have provided engineers with successful ideas for decades. This time, the lizard's distinctive movements on sandy surfaces formed the basis for creating a new generation of wheel design that oscillates and moves in a special way.

Why this matters for Mars

The Martian surface is covered in fine sand and dust in many regions, which has so far posed major challenges for rover mobility. Traditional wheels can become stuck in sandy terrain, as happened in several NASA missions. The new lizard-based solution promises significantly better traction and mobility even in difficult conditions.

The wheels developed by the scientists are designed to mimic the lizard's walking pattern, allowing the rover to move more smoothly across sand without sinking.