Scientists at Cranfield University have developed WANDER-bot, an affordable, 3D-printed robot that runs on wind power. WANDER-bot, designed for harsh, windy environments—from deserts to polar or extraterrestrial terrains—runs without a battery, enabling longer uninterrupted operation.
Movement typically consumes about 20% of a robot’s battery, so harnessing natural energy makes WANDER-bot an efficient option for extended exploration or mapping of uncharted terrain. It also lets future models power electronics with smaller, lighter energy sources. Using natural energy prevents the gradual performance drop common in solar panels or radioisotope generators.
3D-Printed, Repairable Strandbeesten-Inspired Design
Dr. Saurabh Upadhyay and Research Associate Sam Kurian of Space Engineering developed WANDER-bot entirely from 3D-printed parts and designed it for simplicity, so users can rapidly repair and replace its components. Teams can print and assemble the robot anywhere, produce its parts on-site, and avoid costly resupply missions.
The robot’s distinctive design draws inspiration from Dutch artist Theo Jansen’s Strandbeesten. It combines the Jansen linkage mechanism with a Savonius wind turbine to convert wind energy into locomotion.
“Robotic exploration faces numerous challenges,” explained Dr. Saurabh Upadhyay, Lecturer in Space Engineering at Cranfield University. “Limited battery capacity restricts range, and the complexity of technology makes repairs difficult in environments where humans are rarely present and have minimal ability to manufacture or maintain equipment due to harsh conditions.”
“WANDER-bot represents an initial step toward affordable, repairable, and self-sufficient robots capable of exploring areas that are currently hard for humans to access—whether other planets or remote locations on Earth where prolonged human presence is impractical.”
WANDER-bot was featured as a poster at the European Space Agency’s ASTRA Conference 2025. This first version is a low-TRL prototype designed to show how wind energy can power robotic movement. Future developments aim to enhance its maneuverability, allowing WANDER-bot to change direction and navigate more challenging terrain.
Read the original article on: Tech Explore
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