Lightweight "Beach-Ball" Robotic Vehicles

Lightweight, inflatable robotic vehicles (rovers) that superficially resemble beach balls and that could be driven by wind and/or electric power are undergoing development. These rovers were conceived for carrying scientific instruments across rocky terrain on Mars, and are intended to move faster, weigh less, and consume less power than do the wheeled robotic vehicles that have been used in planetary exploration until now. Given their resemblance to beach balls in both appearance and function, these rovers have obvious potential for adaptation to terrestrial use, especially as toys.