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About

Masashi Konno is a pioneering robotics engineer whose research focuses on bio-inspired locomotion and planetary subsurface exploration. His most significant contribution is the development of a peristaltic crawling mechanism for lunar excavation robots, directly inspired by the movement of earthworms. This innovative approach addresses the critical challenge of stable, autonomous movement in low-gravity, granular environments. Konno’s flagship work, “Soil circulating system for a lunar subsurface explorer robot using a peristaltic crawling mechanism” (2016, 25 citations), demonstrated a three-unit robot capable of propulsion, excavation, and soil discharge, achieving a record excavation depth of 938 mm. His subsequent studies refined this system, introducing automatic soil-releasing mechanisms and curving excavation methods to enhance maneuverability and efficiency. Though his citation counts are modest, Konno’s work is foundational for future in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and planetary science missions. By translating biological efficiency into robust engineering, he has opened new pathways for accessing subsurface water ice and geological history on the Moon and Mars. His research stands as a testament to how nature-inspired design can solve extreme environmental challenges.