page_title: NASA robots
section_title: ATHLETE
hierarchical_section_title: NASA robots / ATHLETE
caption_attribution_description: English: The ATHLETE rover as it climbs to the top of a hill.
context_page_description: NASA robots are robotic devices used to aid, augment, or substitute for astronauts in order to do difficult or rote tasks such as repairs in dangerous environments, routine procedures, etc.
context_section_description: ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) is a six-limbed robotic lunar rover test-bed that is being developed in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at California Institute of Technology. ATHLETE is a test bed for various systems that could be used for lunar or Martian exploration. Each of the ATHLETE's six limbs have six degrees of freedom meaning they have six independently operated joints. For general traveling purposes the ATHLETE rolls on its six wheels but if it encounters more rugged and extreme terrain, it is able to lock each wheel into place and walk using its limbs. The first generation ATHLETE was developed in 2005 and consisted of 6, six-degree-of-freedom limbs mounted to the frame of the robot. With a standing height of 2 m (6.5 ft) and a hexagonal frame of 2.75 m (9 ft), the ATHLETE weighs about 850 kg (1875 lb) and can carry a load of up to 300 kg (660 lb). only two were ever constructed in 2005 and one is still operational today.
  The Second Generation ATHLETE built in 2009. The robot was redeveloped and implemented as a corresponding team of two 3 limbed robots, known as Tri-ATHLETs. This advancement allows for better cargo handling and loading and unloading of cargo as the two robots can connect under the cargo dock and separate from each other and lower the cargo at its destination. The second generation ATHLETE stands at a little over 4 m (13 ft) and has a load capacity of 450 kg (990 lb).
  Each limb of the ATHLETE can be used as a universal manipulator. Each limb has a variety of quick deploy tool adapters that allow the robot to use a multitude of tools from its "tool belt". The tools use the same 1+ horsepower motors that the wheels use and allow the robot to perform many different tasks such as drilling, clamping, digging and many other tool functions.
caption: ATHLETE climbs a hill
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