In some sense, the Mars Science Laboratory rover's parts will be similar to what any living creature would need to keep it "alive" and able to explore.

The rover will have a:

• body: a structure that protects the rovers´ "vital organs"
  
  
• brains: computers to process information
  
  
• temperature controls: internal heaters, a layer of insulation, and more
  
  
• "neck and head": a mast for the cameras to give the rover a human-scale view
  
  
• eyes and other "senses": cameras and instruments that give the rover information about its environment
  
  
• arm: a way to extend its reach
  
  
• wheels and "legs": parts for mobility
  
  
• energy: batteries and power
  
  
• communications: antennas for "speaking" and "listening"