At the end of the arm, there is a scoop to collect material and bring it to the instruments for analysis. The precision of movements is achieved with the help of a photograph camera located on the forearm link of the Robotic Arm. It can collect soil samples below the surface where information about the climate and atmosphere might be stored. The tasks performed by the Robotic Arm are essential to several other instruments included in the mission. It is very important to study Martian dust because, with the constant dust storms that take place on Mars, it can reach unwanted places and problems may appear - it can cause malfunctions to equipment and it can enter the spaceship contaminating the air.
Dust can cling to the viewers on spacesuits or to the spaceship's window blocking the view.
By trying to remove dust, we could scratch a surface and damage it. To avoid this, MECA will study the dust and test its tendency to cling to surfaces. The Microscopy Station will examine soil samples brought to it by the Robotic Arm. We will then have information about the shape and hardness of particles. Mounted to the heel of the Robotic Arm scoop, there is an electrometer which will measure static electricity that builds up when the Robotic Arm is digging.