Rock Abrasion Tool The Rock Abrasion Tool was designed, developed, and operated by Honeybee Robotics in order to remove dust and rind from martian rocks to reveal fresh underlying features. Robot Clothes was contracted to develop thermal-vaccum and dynamometer testing software and hardware for the RAT. James Powderly participated as a member of the RAT science team and test engineer and delivered and operated the RAT at the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. James eventually joined the engineering staff at Honeybee Robotics. Both MER RATs are currently grinding on Mars on the Spirit and Opportunity rovers. RAT at Honeybee Robotics Opportunity Lands on Mars RAT Grinds First Rock on Mars RAT & Honeybee in the NY Times Evidence of Water on Mars