Figure 8 - Alternate Solutions/Brainstorming - 3D Shovel Design 2

Figure 8 is a shovel design that seems best suited for the objectives tah need to be accomplished.  The tapered design allows the front end to "cut" right into the sand without applying as much force as a blunt ended shovel would need.  The shovel would be released using a servomotor, and dig into the sand as the robot moves forward.  Once enough sand is collected, the servo will swing the shovel back into its normal position, thus containing and storing the sediment sample.