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M-Blocks 2.0 Self-Assembling Robots
I loved these modular robotic blocks that self-assemble into different shapes. I first wrote about them in 2014 when they first came out (see M-Block Modular Robots Assemble Themselves).
(M-Block Modular Robots Assemble Themselves)
Each M-block has a flywheel that rotates at 20,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), and uses angular momentum from a break to move around. These blocks use a built-in magnet to stick to each other and form a robust structure.Romanishin, the new paper’s lead author says this unique approach is inexpensive and easier to scale to a million modules:
"The unique thing about our approach is that it’s inexpensive, robust, and potentially easier to scale to a million modules. M-Blocks can move in a general way. Other robotic systems have much more complicated movement mechanisms that require many steps, but our system is more scalable and cost-effective."
(Via TheNextWeb.)
In his amazing 1920 short story The Metal Monster, Abraham Merritt imagines a robot that is constructed of smaller metal pieces able to move on their own.
Faster the cubes moved; faster the circle revolved; the pyramids raised themselves, stood bolt upright on their square bases; the six rolling spheres touched them, joined the spinning, and with sleight-of-hand suddenness the ring drew together; its units coalesced, cubes and pyramids and globes threading with a curious suggestion of ferment.
(Read more about Abraham Merritt's living metal cubes)
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 11/5/2019)
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Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
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