Scientists train robo-dog on Mount Hood for 'out of this world' mission

The robot, which goes by the name Spirit, is testing out its four legs in the rugged terrain, learning how to walk on rocky surfaces and softer ground.

Scientists hope their research will help prepare other robotic dogs for future missions to the moon and other planets in our solar system.

“With every step that the dog robot takes, it’s able to sense mechanical resistance with its leg, kind of similar to the way that when we walk on uneven surfaces as humans,” said Cristina Wilson, a cognitive scientist with the legged autonomous surface science in analog environment (LASSIE) Project.

"And what’s very cool is that scientists are interested in that data because it tells us things about how that, you know, planetary surface formed and how it moves and how it might move in the future."

The research is part of the LASSIE Project, which comprises of a team of experts from National Aeronautics and Space Administration and five universities, including University of South Carolina, Texas A and M University and Oregon State University.