The robot they want to use to explore Mars tunnels is a pill bug filled with dandelion drones

New Mexico Tech researchers are building a pill bug–shaped Mars robot to enter lava tubes and scout underground terrain.

The robot would deploy tiny dandelion-like drones that use wind, onboard fans, and piezoelectric power to gather data.

Those mini-drones would measure temperature, humidity, and location details to create maps of the tubes.

The project could provide the first inside view of Martian lava tubes and help assess their safety for future missions.