The Transformable nano rover (Lunar Excursion Vehicle 2（LEV-2), with its nickname”SORA-Q”) for space exploration

TOMY Company applied for the first Request for Proposal (RFP) in 2016. The aim of this research is to develop an inexpensive insect-like robot that can operate in space and on Earth using consumer toy technology.

Based on previously developed technologies, such as simplified communication, energy efficiency, logevity extension, miniaturication, research and development were carried out to expand the markets for insect-like robots and related technologies.

Sony Group Corporation (in charge of control boards and sensors) joined this project in 2019, and Doshisha University (in charge of mechanism design, the same as TOMY Company) joined in 2021. The four parties developed a rover, named LEV-2, capable of being mounted on a SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) lander.

The SLIM lander was launched on September 7, 2023, and successfully landed on the Moon on January 20, 2024. The rover successfully captured images of the SLIM lander on the lunar surface , and transmitted it to Earth via another rover named LEV-1（Lunar Excursion Vehicle 1).

-Specifications of Transformable Nano Rover-

• A palm-sized wheeled rover for capturing images and collecting scientific data on the lunar surface.
• Deploys its hemispherical wheels, tail stabilizer, and cameras for efficient movement.

Item	Detail
Size	Diameter approximately 80mm (3.1496 inch)
Weight	Mass approximately 228g
Camera	One camera in the front and one in back and one can capture images of the spacecraft and the surrounding environment.

Related information

• Transformable nano rover successfully captures and transmits image of SLIM lander on the moon(Press Release)
• Postage stamps issues by the United Nations will feature photos taken by SLIM and LEV-2 (SORA-Q)!
• In-house newsletter(Palm-Sized Lunar Excursion Vehicle 2(LEV-2))
• TIME
• Best Planetary Robotics Paper Award