Scientists develop swarm of robots that mimic living systems and adapt dynamically

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and TU Dresden have developed a swarm of small robots that can self-assemble and mimic the properties of smart materials. This new approach allows the robots to adapt their shapes and material properties dynamically. The robots, resembling hockey pucks, use internal signals to change form instead of relying on external forces. They are inspired by embryonic tissues, which can shift between solid and fluid states during development. The robots utilize light sensors and motorized gears to coordinate their movements. Recent tests revealed that signal fluctuations are essential for the robots to change shape efficiently, using less power than previously thought.