Self-transforming robot blocks jump, spin, flip, and identify each other

[Bayard]

Developed at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, robots can self-assemble to form various structures with applications including inspection.

Swarms of simple, interacting robots have the potential to unlock stealthy abilities for accomplishing complex tasks. Getting these robots to achieve a true hive-like mind of coordination, though, has proved to be a hurdle.

In an effort to change this, a team from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) came up with a surprisingly simple scheme: self-assembling robotic cubes that can climb over and around one another, leap through the air, and roll across the ground.

Six years after the project’s first iteration, the robots can now “communicate” with each other using a barcode-like system on each face of the block that allows the modules to identify each other. The autonomous fleet of 16 blocks can now accomplish simple tasks or behaviors, such as forming a line, following arrows, or tracking light.

Inside each modular “M-Block” is a flywheel that moves at 20,000 revolutions per minute, using angular momentum when the flywheel is braked. On each edge and every face are permanent magnets that let any two cubes attach to each other.

http://news.mit.edu/2019/self-transforming-robot-blocks-jump-spin-flip-identify-each-other-1030

I've seen this movie. I don't think it ends well for our species....

[backtoblue]

1. So THAT"S how the pyramids were built!

[Bayard]

5. Snorf!

[Newest Reality]

2. This seems like...

This seems like a precursor to nano and molecular machines that will self-assemble into, well, theoretically, whatever you want. We have seen it it sci-fi movies, but I think what they are learning from this blocks will contribute to scaling down.

"Couch!" he said, and the substance formed into a generic couch. "Overstuffed, modern, blue!" was the next command and the couch morphed rapidly into a rather cozy, blue couch waiting to be tweaked further.

I kind of think of rooms that are set to transform into all your preferences and colors as you enter them, if you set it that way; a fluid reality.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

7. use dust as raw material

Recycling nanobots build your couch and tables from dust and trash.

[Garrett78]

3. Dolphins should come on land, join forces with these blocks and take over. We've had our chance.

[uponit7771]

4. Big Hero 6 but with blocks vs bowling pins

[Duppers]

6. Well, this is kinda my son's field.

Last edited Tue Nov 12, 2019, 09:54 PM - Edit history (1)

And, yes, it's spooky to me.
His resume states his expertise as: "deep learning, AI...Computation and Language (cs.CL); Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI); Machine Learning (stat.ML)." He's published papers in the field. He also worked on facial recognition and language patterns.

I'll send this to him.

Personally, since I've read a lot on GW, i seriously think it'll end us before AI can take over.

[MFGsunny]

8. Awesome! n/t

[NCLefty]

9. Department of Defense already has "drone swarms."

Apparently you need CBS All Access to watch the whole 60 Minutes episode but you can see them in the trailer: