excavation in a second trench phoenix ' s robotic body connected with a soft core that has scientists excited about the prospect of soon uncovering an icy layer . " we have dug a ditch and excavated a hard surfaces at the same location as the ice layer in our other trench , " said washington university robots branch reporter for phoenix , kyle arvidson . the arm tried at least thirteen times to penetrate the layer , but was unsuccessful . as a result the wrist gone into a holding state , awaiting its next commands .
A robotic arm has been used for scientific discoveries.