Japanese toy manufacturer Takara Tomy developed the lunar rover, SORA-Q, in association with JAXA, Sony Group, and Doshisha University.
Innovative offering
The creative minds at JAXA’s design department faced the challenge of developing a compact and lightweight lunar probe capable of accompanying the main lander to the moon. Simultaneously, they aimed for a design that would be straightforward and durable enough to operate effectively on the uneven lunar terrain. To find innovative solutions, they sought inspiration from an unexpected source: a company known for crafting toys.
The creation of SORA-Q drew upon insights in miniaturization and weight reduction derived from the firm’s expertise in toy manufacturing. Additionally, the firm claims it incorporated technologies associated with metamorphic mechanisms, exemplified by Transformers. The company hopes that SORA-Q will kindle children’s curiosity in the natural sciences, fostering an exhilarating exploration of the wonders of space.
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