New Yo-Yo Style Robot Could Go to Mars

This robot is really a giant axle being developed by the JPl (Jet Propulsion Lab), students from CALTech and other universities, hence the name Axel.

Mars is full of craters that are very steep and dangerous for the current rovers, Spirit and Opportunity.

Axel is tethered to a larger rover and lowered down into craters, nimbly going over any large rocks in it’s path.  The robot also contains a scoop to pick up samples and two stereo cameras.

Check out the video from JPL here.

Link via (Universe Today)