Mars rovers have made many fascinating discoveries. The Ingenuity helicopter has also exceeded its planned lifetime, demonstrating the potential of flight on Mars. Now, more advanced robotic systems are in development to explore Mars, Titan and other planetary bodies.

For rovers, wheel-based locomotion poses challenges. Rocky debris can damage wheels, gradually wearing them down over time. To address this, researchers are developing robot dog clones modeled after Boston Dynamics' famous robots. Prototypes are ready and undergoing testing.

The new robots closely resemble Boston Dynamics' quadrupedal systems in frame and "neck" design. However, researchers made modifications to create three types of rover bots that work as a team:

• Scout - Outfitted with navigation sensors to map unfamiliar terrain.
• Hybrid - Equipped with infrared camera, spectrometer and other instruments to assess object distances and properties.
• Scientist - Loaded with scientific tools like a specialized microscope to closely study objects of interest, especially using its "arm" and onboard Raman spectrometer and microscope.

In tests, the robots operated like an exploration team - Scout mapped the landscape while Hybrid and Scientist investigated points of interest according to their specialties. All models also used lidar for navigation. Tests simulated lunar and Martian conditions, showing the bots' versatility.

A key advantage is the robots' ability to operate independently if needed, though coordinating maximizes efficiency. This allows flexible deployment to hazardous sites too risky for humans. The robots can explore while astronauts analyze findings safely.

Modular, replaceable components enhance reliability on long missions. According to developers, routine tasks are highly automated, enabling autonomous surface exploration, with humans monitoring in a support role.

Current limitations include range from base. But the robots could still travel significant distances from a manned rover on Mars or the moon to scout surrounding regions. Their purpose-built durability offers access to extreme craters, canyons and terrain.

This robotic concept could one day provide planetary researchers with trusted eyes and tools in risky but scientifically rich environments. With clever engineering, the bots offer safe, resilient and productive exploration on other worlds.