Researchers from The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an unusual snail-like robotic swarm capable of reconfiguring itself to operate in unstructured environments.
Each one of these robots boasts a ferromagnetic iron shell that contains a battery, microprocessor, and other electronic components. A set of tank-like rubber tracks on the bottom have embedded magnets for locomotion, while a retractable vacuum-powered suction cup can be found between the treads. ‘Strong Mode’ lets the robot cling tightly to the shell of another using the suction cup, enabling the swarm to climb obstacles.
- ELEGOO Smart Robot Car: An educational STEM kit beginners (kids) to get hands-on experience about programming, electronics assembling and robotics...
- Complete Package: Contains 24 kinds of module parts including obstacle avoidance, line tracing module, infrared remote control and also you can...
- Easy to Assemble: All the module interface has been modified with XH2. 54 ports as to make it much easier and convenient to assemble the car and...
Outdoor experiments demonstrate the capabilities of individual robots and the exceptional synergy within the swarm. This research advances the real-world applications of terrestrial robotic swarms in unstructured environments,” said the researchers.
[Source]
