Insect inspired drills
The biological analog to technical drilling systems do not require the application of high external forces or massive machinery. Space exploration often requires systems equipped with drills, and miniaturised drillers could enable a number of new space operations.
Two natural digging systems have been studied as potential miniature space digging systems; the ovipositors of the female locust and of sirex noctilio, a species of woodwasp. Being insectoid systems, the mechanics of their design work on an inherently small scale, though they are also thought to be scalable.
ACT Research
The ACT has conducted preliminary studies of these concepts in collaboration with the University of Bath, the University of Surrey, D’appolonia and EADS-Astrium. Engineering solutions are proposed and analysed to assess the potential of new bio-inspired, miniaturised digging systems for space applications.
The final report of the joint study was titled "Asteroid Micro-penetrator with biomimetics drill" and is publicly available.