Technology Shape-shifting robot forms from magnetic swarm

[The Helper]

Swarms of robots that use electromagnetic forces to cling together and assume different shapes are being developed by US researchers.

The grand goal is to create swarms of microscopic robots capable of morphing into virtually any form by clinging together.

Seth Goldstein, who leads the research project at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, in the US, admits this is still a distant prospect.

However, his team is using simulations to develop control strategies for futuristic shape-shifting, or "claytronic", robots, which they are testing on small groups of more primitive, pocket-sized machines.

These prototype robots use electromagnetic forces to manoeuvre themselves, communicate, and even share power.

Shape-shifting robot forms from magnetic swarm

Swarming robots that use electromagnetic forces to cling together and morph into different shapes are being developed by researchers

www.newscientist.com

 

[Asehujiko]

And what are they going to use this for? It's researched by the airforce so i guess something along the lines of a T-X.

 

[The Helper]

Imagine a robot that can create its own tools. Like the Terminator fluid guy.

 

[Squll2]

scary stuff

 

[darkRae]

Someday we can practically have any tool anywhere anytime with that robot.

"Hey, where's my hammer?"
"Dunno. Just let that robot be one."

Seth Goldstein, who leads the research project at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, in the US, admits this is still a distant prospect.

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