Scientists at the University of Sheffield have made significant progress in the development of robotic fabrics that can change size, shrink, and move with precision. Led by Dr. Roderich Gross, the study showcases the successful connection of low-power robotic modules via an elastic mesh, allowing them to move together in a coordinated manner. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for the creation of ultra-low-power robotic fabrics that can navigate inaccessible spaces or even be deployed inside the human body for medical purposes.
Robotic Modules and Elastic Mesh
The prototype fabrics developed in this study consist of small robotic modules known as Kilobots. These modules are compact and have limited processing capabilities. While each Kilobot can move using vibration motors, it lacks precise control over its direction. However, when incorporated into an elastic mesh, the modules can communicate with each other to collectively determine the best course of movement. By coupling the modules in this way, the fabric becomes more reliable and efficient.
Potential Applications
Dr. Roderich Gross envisions a future where these intelligent fabrics can autonomously navigate spaces that are inaccessible to humans. For instance, they could be deployed inside underground water pipes to detect cracks or used for inspecting the interior of a jet engine. In the medical field, self-moving and stretchable fabrics could be wrapped around damaged organs to provide high-resolution monitoring or stimulation.
Experimental Findings
The researchers conducted experiments using fabric composed of 49 Kilobot modules. They discovered that a single module cannot move independently in a straight line. However, a fabric consisting of 16 modules can achieve straight-line movement, albeit for a limited duration. The larger the number of modules within the fabric, the more successfully it moves in a coherent direction. Additionally, the study demonstrated the fabric’s ability to follow a desired path, change shape to fit through a smaller space, and then restore its original shape.
Similarities to Birds in Flocks
The research draws parallels between the movement of these robotic fabrics and the behavior of birds in flocks. Just as larger flocks are better at collectively deciding where to move, a larger number of modules in the fabric also leads to more effective navigation. This observation aligns with the many-wrongs principle. However, unlike previous studies, the success of the modules in this experiment is not solely reliant on information gathering and processing. The physical bonds within the elastic mesh play a crucial role in aiding negotiation and reducing the modules’ reliance on energy-intensive perception and thinking.
In conclusion,
The University of Sheffield’s research on robotic fabrics has demonstrated the feasibility of creating fabrics that can change size, shrink, and move with precision. By connecting low-power robotic modules through an elastic mesh, the fabric becomes intelligent and capable of coordinated movement. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for various applications, including accessing inaccessible spaces and providing medical monitoring or treatment. With further advancements, these fabrics could potentially consist of thousands of modules, revolutionizing the field of robotics.
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