As a 14-year-old, Per Samuelsson dreamed of a remote-controlled ball that could travel anywhere. Now that dream has become a reality and Samuelsson's next goal is to send his invention, The Orb, into space.

He first designed a prototype while still at school, learning first about remote control technology.

When in 1997 he watched  the Pathfinder land on Mars with the aid of small air cushions, Samuelsson began to see the potential in his idea.

"An inflatable 'robotball' for exploring other planets and moons has many advantages. It doesn't take much space and can be inflated on arrival," he said.

The Orb, produced by Rotundus, is currently used as a sentry robot but Samuelsson hasn't give up dreaming.

"Imagine if Phoenix had brought some balls along to Mars instead of just sitting tight in one spot."