Korea Tests Ultra-Rugged Robot to Explore the Moon’s Mysterious Caves

South Korean scientists developed a rover prototype with flexible wheels made from woven metal strips that expand from nine to 19.6 inches in diameter, designed to explore lunar caves that could shelter future human colonists. The robot navigated 7.8-inch obstacles and withstood simulated 328-foot drops under lunar gravity conditions, demonstrating durability through cave tests and extreme temperature exposure. The expandable wheel design allows better weight distribution for rough terrain while fitting into tight spaces, making it ideal for exploring dangerous lunar caverns before human exploration.