Mars logo

Mars

Last updated January 31, 2026
88
Innovation Areas
2,578
Inventors
20
Collaborations

Mars Research Landscape: Recent R&D and Innovation Focus Areas

This landscape reveals what Mars is actively researching on recently. It organizes signals from patents into clusters of real scientific and technical questions being explored, showing where Mars is repeatedly investing effort, building knowledge, and reducing uncertainty. The result is a forward-looking view of strategic intent , often visible months or years before it appears in products, partnerships, or financial disclosures of Mars.

What are Mars's key R&D focus areas?

Predictive biological and structural risk scoring

(4)problems

Inaccurate genetic or relational mapping risks legal liability and medical incompatibility in assisted reproduction and pet ownership. These systems engineer unique identifiers and kinship algorithms to ensure biological and legal traceability.

Protease ratio enzymatic hydrolysis

(2)problems

Poor stool consistency increases pet owner dissatisfaction and cleaning costs, which is mitigated by engineering specific fiber-to-prebiotic ratios. Precise control of these ratios stabilizes the gastrointestinal microbiome to ensure predictable fecal quality.

Gip peptide stabilization chemistry

(3)problems

Nutrient degradation and hormonal instability in specialized pet diets lead to poor metabolic outcomes. These innovations engineer specific molecular stabilization to ensure biological efficacy during digestion.

Rankl and btn3a1 immunomodulatory ligands

(2)problems

Standard immunotherapies fail when tumor cells evade T-cell recognition through low antigen presentation. These innovations engineer specific butyrophilin receptor activation and epigenetic modulation to restore immune visibility.

Transferrin receptor binding conjugates

(3)problems

Poor bioavailability across the blood-brain barrier and into muscle tissue limits therapeutic efficacy. Engineering specific molecular ligands to exploit transferrin-mediated transcytosis enables targeted delivery of payloads to previously inaccessible physiological compartments.

Conductometric salinity feedback control

(3)problems

Inaccurate salt concentration and steam levels lead to inconsistent food quality and safety risks. These innovations stabilize flavor profiles and thermal transfer through precise ionic conductivity measurement and fluid phase control.

Topical lipid palatant coatings

(3)problems

Standard extrusion processes often result in low-acceptance profiles and dental biofilm accumulation. These innovations engineer the surface chemistry and texture to simultaneously drive sensory attraction and mechanical plaque disruption.

Factor xi and l-citrulline modulators

(3)problems

Vascular resistance and poor drug response in hyporesponders increase cardiovascular risk. This lever stabilizes nitric oxide pathways to restore endothelial function.

Mechanical bracelet attachment interface

(2)problems

Standardized watch case connections often fail to accommodate varying wrist sizes or strap materials, leading to poor ergonomic fit and mechanical wear. Precise engineering of the fastening member and adjustable connection points ensures structural integrity while allowing for tool-less modularity.

Bulk metallic glass timepiece actuators

(2)problems

Mechanical complexity in multi-function timepieces increases the risk of component interference and synchronization failure. These innovations utilize concentric cam architectures to integrate perpetual calendars and acoustic complications within compact case constraints.

Nuclear receptor and atpase ligands

(4)problems

Mutated KRAS proteins are notoriously difficult to bind, leading to poor treatment outcomes in oncology. These specific tricyclic and sulfonylpyridine scaffolds provide the precise molecular geometry required to irreversibly inhibit the KRAS G12C pocket.

Laminar flow acoustic ducting

(2)problems

Manual maintenance of internal cooking cavities leads to grease buildup and operational failure, which is mitigated through automated fluidic cleaning cycles. These integrated systems reduce downtime and extend component lifespan by preventing residue accumulation in smoke baffles and tanks.

Spray dried cacao pulp solids

(2)problems

Standard white and crumb chocolate formulations often suffer from flavor imbalances or excessive sweetness that limit consumer appeal. Precise titration of potassium salts modifies the organoleptic profile to achieve specific flavor targets without altering the fat-sugar matrix.

Nectin-4 targeted antibody conjugates

(3)problems

Tumor immune evasion and viral entry rely on specific surface protein interactions. Engineering these nectin-mediated pathways enables targeted therapeutic intervention and improved diagnostic specificity.

Aerodynamic drag reduction assembly

(2)problems

Retrofitting existing infrastructure causes significant operational downtime and safety risks. These innovations utilize modular structural interfaces to enable rapid installation and mechanical separation without disrupting active transit environments.

Denatured zein protein matrix

(2)problems

Inconsistent nutrient bioavailability and palatability in pet food drive up formulation costs. Precise control over the thermal denaturation of animal proteins ensures batch-to-batch consistency and product stability.

Flash joule heating frequency control

(2)problems

Conventional thermal synthesis of nanomaterials and liquid chemicals suffers from high energy overhead and low selectivity. These innovations utilize rapid electromagnetic heating and electrochemical interfaces to drive high-yield molecular transformations.

Multi-station wireless profile provisioning

(3)problems

Signal interference and coverage gaps in dynamic environments lead to packet loss and high latency. Engineering the spatial configuration of beam layouts within mesh architectures maintains link stability and throughput.

Multimodal sensor fusion logic

(2)problems

Driver distraction and fatigue lead to catastrophic accident liabilities. These systems mitigate risk by integrating real-time physiological and behavioral data into vehicle control logic.

Precision inclusion molding architecture

(2)problems

Batch-to-batch variability in viscosity and thermal profile leads to inconsistent product texture and high waste. These innovations utilize precision extrusion and cooling parameters to ensure uniform mass flow and structural integrity.

Cross-linked ion-grafted hybrid electrolytes

(3)problems

Randomly oriented carbon networks impede ion transport and increase internal resistance in solid-state systems. Engineering the vertical alignment of nanotube arrays creates direct pathways to maximize power density and lower operating voltage requirements.

Modular interlocking cladding assembly

(3)problems

Structural instability in modular assembly leads to collapse or misalignment during rapid construction. These innovations utilize magnetic coupling and intumescent expansion to ensure secure mechanical bonding and fire safety integrity.

Pre-mixture lipid phase composition

(4)problems

Inconsistent texture and ingredient separation during processing lead to high batch rejection rates. These innovations engineer the physical architecture of the food matrix to maintain shelf stability and sensory uniformity.

Integrated localized air filtration assembly

(3)problems

Hazardous particulate accumulation in the workspace creates health risks and equipment fouling. The system engineers precise pressure differentials to capture contaminants at the source.

Extruded surface modification apparatus

(2)problems

Rapid mechanical breakdown of animal treats leads to choking hazards and poor dental efficacy. Engineering the structural density of the edible polymer network extends chew time and improves mechanical cleaning.

Distributed storage node orchestration

(2)problems

High latency and resource contention during data redistribution increase operational costs in multi-node environments. This architecture standardizes data movement patterns across compute resources to minimize synchronization overhead.

Multiscale lithographic feedstock rheology

(2)problems

Uncontrolled particle geometry in additive manufacturing and drug delivery leads to inconsistent release kinetics and structural failure. These innovations utilize fluid shear and turbulent flow dynamics to precisely control the morphology of polymer capsules and biological payloads.

Adversarial signal detection algorithms

(4)problems

Revenue leakage from electricity theft and infrastructure failure risks are mitigated through real-time pattern recognition in sensor data streams. These systems engineer specific detection thresholds to differentiate between malicious cyber-attacks and hardware degradation.

Geospatial telemetry integration architecture

(2)problems

Lung disease progression is driven by uncontrolled inflammatory signaling through the RAGE pathway, which is mitigated here via targeted molecular binding and conjugate delivery. Precise ligand engineering allows for site-specific therapeutic action while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Rna expression signature profiling

(2)problems

Ineffective targeting of pancreatic cancer leads to high treatment failure and wasted clinical costs, which is mitigated by engineering SIGMAR1 ligands mapped to specific RNA expression profiles. This allows for precise molecular control over drug sensitivity in PDAC patients.

Truss-stiffened modular lifting architecture

(2)problems

Manual handling of heavy battery packs during assembly creates significant safety risks and throughput bottlenecks. Engineering an optimized mobile platform stabilizes the transport load to prevent cell damage and accelerate line speed.

Optical inspection sensor geometry

(4)problems

Mechanical instability during high-speed container transport leads to throughput bottlenecks and breakage risks. These innovations utilize precise kinematic constraints to maintain structural integrity during rapid processing cycles.

Load-bearing articulated structural frames

(3)problems

Mechanical failure and space inefficiency in marine and transport environments increase operational costs. These innovations utilize specialized pivoting joints to enable rapid transition between stowed and functional states.

Mechanical debris capture interface

(4)problems

Manual maintenance of aquatic and terrestrial surfaces incurs high labor costs and operational downtime. These systems utilize pressurized fluid dynamics to automate particulate removal and contaminant recovery.

Structural aperture barrier systems

(3)problems

Unprotected structural openings and exposed protrusions create safety liabilities and pest infiltration risks. These innovations utilize rigid physical enclosures and protective capping to mitigate mechanical hazards and biological entry.

Canine t2r and olfactory receptor ligands

(2)problems

Inconsistent palatability in synthetic diets leads to poor animal intake and product rejection. These innovations utilize specific peptide sequences to target taste receptors for precise flavor profile engineering.

Acoustic radiation signal processing

(3)problems

Signal clipping and noise floor interference degrade audio fidelity during wireless transmission. Real-time gain adjustment within the SOC module maintains signal integrity across variable acoustic environments.

Antiepileptic small molecule formulations

(3)problems

Uncontrolled neuronal firing in epilepsy leads to severe neurological damage and high treatment failure rates. This approach utilizes probenecid as a specific chemical lever to regulate transport mechanisms and stabilize seizure activity.

Chiral organometallic and sulfoximine derivatives

(2)problems

Unstable chemical intermediates and low-yield synthesis pathways increase the cost of agrochemical and pharmaceutical production. These innovations utilize specific sulfoximine and thionolactone functionalization to stabilize bioactive molecules and control polymer degradation rates.

Thermodynamic phase separation valve

(3)problems

Condensate buildup in pressurized lines causes water hammer and thermal inefficiency, which this hardware mitigates through automated phase-based flow regulation. Precise discharge control prevents energy loss while protecting downstream equipment from mechanical shock.

Modular anatomical containment structures

(4)problems

Inconsistent organization of disparate textile items leads to inefficient laundering and storage workflows. Engineering hidden, detachable structural compartments into soft goods allows for discrete sorting and multi-functional space management.

Insulated low-profile dispensing architecture

(2)problems

Thermal leakage during product retrieval increases energy costs and compromises frozen inventory integrity. This system integrates supply and dispensing mechanics to maintain precise thermal boundaries during high-frequency access.

Active thermodynamic cooling cycle

(3)problems

Energy loss during thermal cycling increases operational costs and limits cooling efficiency. These innovations utilize latent heat capacity to stabilize temperature and recover waste energy.

Somatic embryogenesis and pheromone lures

(2)problems

Low propagation rates and genetic incompatibility limit the scalability of high-yield varieties. These protocols engineer specific cell suspension environments to bypass traditional breeding constraints and accelerate clonal production.

Automated product dispensing mechanisms

(2)problems

Manual retail distribution incurs high labor costs and limited availability. Mechanical dispensing systems automate the point-of-sale to provide unattended 24/7 service delivery.

Wager-based transaction routing protocols

(2)problems

Revenue leakage and fraud risks in digital gaming are mitigated through the engineering of secure, real-time wagering protocols. These systems stabilize the financial integrity of high-frequency online tournaments.

Bioactive remineralizing microbial modulators

(2)problems

Uncontrolled oral biofilm proliferation in animals leads to systemic health risks and high veterinary costs. These innovations utilize mechanical and chemical release mechanisms in chewable substrates to maintain microbial homeostasis.

Synthetic gene dosage buffering circuits

(2)problems

Inaccurate localization of seizure foci leads to ineffective surgical or electrical interventions. These innovations utilize network-level spatial estimation to precisely target and modulate epileptogenic zones.

Mutant lactonase enzymatic scaffolds

(2)problems

Low enzymatic yield and poor protein stability during microbial synthesis increase production costs. These innovations engineer specific Bacillus secretion pathways and coumarin-based efflux monitoring to maximize functional enzyme recovery.

Neural translation memory weighting

(2)problems

Inconsistent semantic alignment across languages and dialogue contexts leads to poor translation and recommendation accuracy. These innovations engineer specific text feature granularities to ensure cross-lingual data consistency.

Integrated equipment mounting airframe

(2)problems

Standard chassis designs lack the maneuverability and interface flexibility required for interactive or educational environments. These innovations integrate Mecanum-based kinematics with acoustic signal processing to enable precise spatial positioning.

Pixelated occlusion optical assembly

(2)problems

Limited line-of-sight visibility during tactical deployment increases operator exposure risk. These innovations utilize rotationally deployed optical accessories to enable remote target acquisition and non-blocking visual feedback.

Thermal pressure molded protein composites

(2)problems

Inconsistent protein texturization during high-throughput processing leads to poor mouthfeel and product rejection. These innovations engineer specific shear and thermal gradients within the extrusion apparatus to ensure uniform fibrous structure.

Laser irradiation celestial guidance

(3)problems

Sensory mismatch during vehicle transit causes motion sickness and navigation errors. These innovations utilize atmospheric polarization patterns and visual cues to synchronize vestibular and ocular inputs.

Atmospheric gas burner architecture

(2)problems

Inconsistent fuel-air mixing in multi-position stoves leads to thermal inefficiency and flame instability. Precise nozzle holder positioning and siphon structure control the fluid dynamics to ensure reliable combustion across varying orientations.

Modular structural packaging geometry

(4)problems

Product spoilage and mechanical damage during transit increase waste and logistics costs. These innovations engineer moisture flux and structural rigidity to maintain integrity across diverse cargo types.

Modular locker authentication interface

(2)problems

Physical access security is compromised by network latency and connectivity failures in remote locker systems. These innovations utilize local credential validation protocols to ensure secure operation without persistent server communication.

Linear pump nozzle plate assembly

(2)problems

Inconsistent atomization patterns lead to excessive overspray and material waste during coating. Precision engineering of the nozzle plate orifice and surface profile ensures uniform fluid distribution and reduces rework costs.

Preloaded bearing stator assembly

(3)problems

Manual wire tensioning and positioning inconsistencies lead to high scrap rates and poor motor efficiency. This control lever automates the spatial distribution of conductive wire to ensure electromagnetic uniformity.

Heterogeneous interfacial molecular bonding

(2)problems

Traditional luxury components suffer from brittleness or surface wear that compromises aesthetic longevity. Engineering the interfacial bonding between gold alloys and ceramic matrices creates high-durability, non-invasive decorative structures.

Interferometric surface curvature sensing

(2)problems

Surface degradation and volatile leakage create unpredictable maintenance costs and safety risks. These innovations integrate real-time optical feedback loops to detect structural and chemical shifts before failure occurs.

Encapsulated cytokine cell delivery

(2)problems

Uncontrolled therapeutic dosing from living implants leads to systemic toxicity or treatment failure. These systems integrate synthetic gene circuits with electronic hardware to modulate cellular secretion in real-time.

Helical vortex wake dissipation

(3)problems

Voltage instability and mechanical fatigue in remote energy systems lead to catastrophic component failure. These innovations utilize push-pull transformer topologies and passive damping to stabilize high-frequency power transfer and structural integrity.

Mechanical band coupling assembly

(2)problems

Standardized attachment points for wearable hardware often fail under mechanical stress or cause animal discomfort. These innovations engineer specific enclosure and coupling geometries to ensure secure device retention and signal integrity.

Multiphase diamide granule stabilization

(2)problems

Poor solubility and phase separation of diamide and bixlozone actives lead to inconsistent bio-efficacy and shelf instability. These formulations utilize specific solid-state dispersion and granule structuring to ensure uniform release and pigment adhesion.

Scalenohedral calcium carbonate opacifiers

(3)problems

Standard synthetic dyes face regulatory bans and poor opacity on dark food surfaces, which is mitigated through engineered calcium carbonate particle loading. This stabilization ensures consistent color density and printhead compatibility in high-speed food production.

Spatiotemporal dna barcode scaffolding

(2)problems

Standard diagnostic latency delays critical treatment interventions for neurological and infectious pathologies. Integrating CRISPR-based molecular recognition directly onto transistor gates enables real-time electronic signal transduction for rapid, high-sensitivity detection.

Adjustable spectral distribution circuitry

(1)problems

Low visibility during maritime emergencies increases rescue failure rates, which is mitigated by integrating automated adjustable lighting modes into life-saving hardware. This engineering approach ensures consistent visual signaling despite varying environmental light conditions.

Electrolytic hypochlorous acid generation

(3)problems

Manual chemical handling and filter clogging increase operational downtime and safety risks. These innovations integrate ultrasonic particulate removal with automated electrochemical synthesis to ensure continuous high-purity disinfection.

Mechanical diverter ratchet lock

(2)problems

Mechanical failure in cargo security stems from accidental strap detachment under vibration. This lever engineers the physical interface between the hook and ratchet to ensure positive locking.

Transcatheter hemodynamic shunt scaffolds

(2)problems

Congenital cardiovascular and orthopedic defects require staged anatomical remodeling to avoid invasive revision surgeries. These devices utilize controlled mechanical tension to drive physiological tissue growth and structural elongation.

Embedded transponder substrate integration

(2)problems

Standard tracking hardware fails under the mechanical stress and moisture of industrial washing or pet activity. These innovations utilize specialized embedding and protective housing to ensure signal integrity in harsh environments.

Calorimetric sensor orbital welding

(3)problems

Manual welding of tube-to-sheet joints in complex heat exchangers leads to high leak rates and inconsistent thermal performance. This mechanical control lever automates precise electrode positioning to ensure hermetic seals in restricted geometries.

Automated volumetric dispensing architecture

(2)problems

Uncontrolled ingestion rates in animals lead to digestive distress and metabolic disorders. These systems engineer mechanical barriers and sensor-driven delivery to regulate consumption speed.

Lignocellulosic fungal seeding substrate

(2)problems

Inconsistent colonization of dense organic substrates leads to low fermentation yields. Precise inoculation and extraction protocols ensure uniform fungal penetration and nutrient recovery.

Electromagnetic field sensor alignment

(2)problems

Input latency and signal noise in gesture-based systems lead to poor user experience and high power consumption. This architecture synchronizes optical detection hardware with interface software to ensure high-fidelity command execution.

Oral microbiome sampling architecture

(2)problems

Inaccurate measurements during veterinary dental procedures lead to improper surgical outcomes and training errors. These devices standardize spatial dimensions to ensure procedural accuracy and repeatable training results.

Luminous display transaction card circuitry

(2)problems

Standard devotional objects lack synchronized data storage and illumination control, leading to fragmented user experiences. This architecture integrates digital memory devices directly into lighting control systems to automate personalized ritual sequences.

Modular hydraulic distribution assembly

(2)problems

Inefficient water distribution leads to poor cleaning performance and wasted energy. These innovations engineer precise mechanical spray patterns to ensure full coverage while minimizing resource consumption.

2t2r rram crossbar architecture

(3)problems

Data movement bottlenecks in traditional von Neumann architectures drive excessive power consumption and latency. This configuration integrates charge-domain processing directly within 3D NOR-type resistive memory structures to eliminate bus-related energy losses.

Semiconductor surface texture modulation

(2)problems

Standard silicon probes suffer from low signal quality and geometric degradation during high-energy particle irradiation. Engineering the porosity and aspect ratio of the semiconductor substrate improves detection sensitivity and structural longevity in scanning microscopy.

High-current conductive interface geometry

(2)problems

Manual wire deployment often leads to tangling and inconsistent line tension, which increases maintenance downtime. This mechanism controls the torque and spooling rate to ensure uniform conductor distribution.

Polyhydroxybutyric acid binder systems

(1)problems

Brittle graphite cores frequently fracture during high-pressure extrusion or usage, leading to significant manufacturing waste. This cluster utilizes a specific biodegradable polymer binder to engineer core structural integrity and mechanical flexibility.