Particle Robot Works as a Cluster of Simple Units

Inspired by biological cells, researchers have developed computationally simple robots that connect in large groups to move around, transport objects, and complete other tasks. This “particle robotics” system comprises many individual disc-shaped units referred to as “particles.” The particles are loosely connected by magnets around their perimeters and each unit can only do two things: expand and contract. (Each particle is about 6” in its contracted state and about 9” when expanded.) That motion, when carefully timed, allows the individual particles to push and pull one another in coordinated movement. Onboard sensors enable the cluster to gravitate toward light sources.