China tests robot dogs to unlock moon’s secrets, help build lunar base

China is developing robotic dogs to explore lunar lava tubes—underground tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity—that could serve as protective sites for future moon bases. Researchers from Peking University have created two types of robot dogs, named “Anteater” and “Salamander,” each with specialized features to navigate the moon’s challenging terrain. These robots are equipped with autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, 3D mapping, and embodied intelligence, enabling them to scout narrow, uneven, and low-light environments similar to lunar caves. Testing is currently underway in a lava tube–like cave in Northeastern China, chosen for its geological similarity to expected lunar conditions. The motivation behind this research is China’s ambition to establish a crewed lunar base within these underground caves, which offer natural protection from radiation, micrometeorites, and extreme temperature fluctuations on the moon’s surface. More than 200 pits and large underground cavities have been identified on the moon, with NASA confirming a significant cavity in 2024. These