China Trains Robot Dogs to Explore Volcanic Caves on the Moon to Help Astronauts Build Underground Base in Future
In a groundbreaking leap for space exploration, scientists at Peking University have unveiled two advanced AI-powered robot dogs, named “Anteater” and “Salamander,” designed to explore volcanic caves on the Moon. These robotic explorers are not just technological marvels—they could help unlock the secrets to building future human settlements beneath the lunar surface.
The robots are engineered to navigate and map ancient lava tubes, which are massive tunnels formed billions of years ago by volcanic activity. These lunar caves, long thought to be natural shelters, could provide astronauts protection from deadly radiation, meteor strikes, and extreme temperatures — challenges that have made long-term lunar habitation nearly impossible until now.
Related: NASA’s Voyager 1 has traveled more than 1 light day, equal to 25 billion km, away from Earth ↗
Exploring the Moon’s Hidden Caves
The lunar lava tubes that these robots are being trained to explore are believed to stretch for miles beneath the Moon’s surface. Scientists have theorized that they could be as large as city subway tunnels, making them ideal candidates for future underground lunar bases.
According to a statement from Peking University’s engineering team, both Anteater and Salamander have been rigorously tested in moon-like caves near Jingbo Lake in northeastern China. The terrain around this volcanic area offers conditions similar to those expected on the lunar surface — rugged, unstable, and unpredictable.
Equipped with real-time 3D mapping, advanced sensors, and AI-driven decision-making, the robot dogs can autonomously climb, dodge obstacles, and analyze geological features without human intervention. This independence is critical for lunar missions where communication delays with Earth can last several seconds.
Read More: Voyager 1 Gets a Second Wind NASA Revives Thrusters After Decades to Keep It Alive ↗
Why Lunar Lava Tubes Matter
The discovery and exploration of lunar caves could revolutionize how humans approach space colonization. These natural caverns offer stable temperatures, radiation shielding, and micrometeorite protection, making them prime locations for long-term human habitats.
Experts believe that future astronauts could use robotic explorers like Anteater and Salamander to map safe zones, identify mineral-rich sites, and even construct underground habitats using in-situ materials (resources already available on the Moon).
Dr. Li Ming, a researcher involved in the project, explained:
“Our goal is not only to study lunar geology but also to prepare for human survival on the Moon. These robots act as pioneers, exploring areas humans cannot yet reach.”
China’s Growing Lunar Ambitions
China’s space program has made remarkable progress over the past decade. With missions like Chang’e-4 ↗, which became the first to land on the far side of the Moon, and Chang’e-6 ↗, which aims to bring back samples from lunar lava plains, Beijing has positioned itself as a major player in the global space race.
The robot dog project is part of China’s broader strategy to establish a permanent lunar base by the 2030s, potentially in collaboration with international partners. These autonomous explorers could play a vital role in scouting safe locations and assisting astronauts in construction and resource extraction.
Explore More at Prime Curators Science & Space ↗
AI Meets Space Exploration
The fusion of artificial intelligence and robotics is transforming how humanity explores space. By leveraging AI, these robot dogs can adapt to new terrains, make independent decisions, and process data faster than traditional rovers.
This innovation could also set the stage for future Mars exploration missions, where autonomous navigation and adaptability will be crucial for survival in even harsher environments.
As one researcher noted:
“We’re not just building robots—we’re building future astronauts’ best friends.”
