Claytronics

Abstract: One of the primary impediments to building ensembles of modular robots is the complexity and number of mechanical mechanisms used to construct the individual modules. As part of the Claytronics project - which aims to build very large ensembles of modular robots - we investigate how to simplify each module by eliminating moving parts and reducing the number of mechanical mechanisms on each robot by using force-at-a-distance actuators. Additionally, we are also investigating the feasibility of using these unary actuators to improve docking performance, implement intermodule adhesion, power transfer, communication, and sensing. In this paper we describe our most recent results in the magnetic domain, including our first design sufficiently robust to operate reliably in groups greater than two modules. Our work should be seen as an extension of systems such as Fracta [9], and a contrasting line of inquiry to several other researchers' prior efforts that have used magnetic latching to attach modules to one another but relied upon a powered hinge [10] or telescoping mechanism [12] within each module to facilitate self-reconfiguration.

Abstract: There are many ways to implement programmable matter. One is to build it as a huge modular self-reconfigurable robot composed of a large set of spherical micro-robots, like in the Claytronics project. These micro-robots must be able to stick to each other and move around each other. However, the shape of these micro-robots has not been studied yet and remains a difficult problem as there are numerous constraints to respect. In this article, we propose a quasi-spherical structure for these micro-robots, which answers all the constraints for building programmable matter, helping the realization of an interactive computer-aided design framework. We study different scenarios, validate the ability to move and propose methods for manufacturing these micro-robots.

Abstract: As the size of the modules in a self-reconfiguring modular robotic system shrinks and the number of modules increases, the flexibility of the system as a whole increases. In this paper, we describe the manufacturing methods and mechanisms for a 1 millimeter diameter module which can be manufactured en masse. The module is the first step towards realizing the basic unit of claytronics, a modular robotic system designed to scale to millions of units.

Abstract: Programmable matter i.e. matter that can change its physical properties, more likely its shape according to an internal or an external action is a good example of a cybermatics component. As it links a cyberized shape to real matter, it is a straight example of cyber-physical conjugation. But, this interaction between virtual and real worlds needs two elements. The first one is to find a way to represent the cyberized object using programmable matter and the second is to be able to adapt the matter to the cyberized changes. This article presents the progresses made in these two topics within the Claytronics project.