Space Robot Can Repair Its Own Body Using Ice

Scientists are working to develop a way for robots to repair themselves using ice in space. Scientists cannot fix robots once they are in space. These robots will not only repair themselves but also have material that is always available in various environments. 

IceBot is a small robot that weighs about 14 lbs. It is currently made by hand and can navigate itself around different spaces. Scientists are presently working on IceBot's self-repair capabilities. The hope is for the robot to use a drill to sculpt new parts with ease.

"One idea we are exploring is using a mesh of resistance wire to locally melt surfaces of ice blocks and create a temporary connection between the block of ice and manipulator while we maneuver and machine it to a desired geometry," says researcher Devin Carroll.     

Self-constructing robots would allow for greater space exploration to discover essential information about our universe. 

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