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Würzburg Unveils Sand-Swimming Rover with Lizard-Inspired Wheels

7/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

University of Würzburg unveiled a rover with sandfish-inspired wheels that can “swim” through sand.
The wheels replicate the sandfish lizard’s motion, generating forces that produce tracks.
After widening and lightening wheels, team reduced pressure and improved stability.
Tests with German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and University of Bremen showed the rover moved steadily on sand.
Researchers aim to add software-guided mobility to handle slipping and boost performance.

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Story summary

University of Würzburg unveiled a rover with sandfish-inspired wheels that can “swim” through sand.
The wheels replicate the sandfish lizard’s motion, generating forces that produce tracks.
After widening and lightening wheels, team reduced pressure and improved stability.
Tests with German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and University of Bremen showed the rover moved steadily on sand.
Researchers aim to add software-guided mobility to handle slipping and boost performance.