Imagine a world where robots can devour parts from other robots and integrate them into their own bodies, evolving into self-sufficient lifeforms that don’t need human maintenance. Sounds like science fiction? Think again! A team of researchers at Columbia University has created a prototype robot called the Truss Link, which can merge with other robots to grow bigger, stronger, and adapt to its environment.

The Truss Link is a rod-shaped module that can expand, contract, crawl, and use magnetic tips to connect with other modules. It may look simple on its own, but it’s a versatile platform that can build complex structures capable of moving and interacting with their surroundings in adaptable ways.

“True autonomy means robots must not only think for themselves but also physically sustain themselves,” said lead author Philippe Martin Wyder in a statement about the work. “Just as biological life absorbs and integrates resources, these robots grow, adapt, and repair using materials from their environment or from other robots.”

The Process of Robot Metabolism

In a fascinating video shared by the researchers, multiple Truss Links teleoperated by the researchers merge to form one robot with two triangular halves. The process is called “robot metabolism,” where they crudely mirror how biological organisms can absorb each other.

The newly formed shape then demonstrates its ability to transform itself from a 2D structure to a 3D one. It inches towards a ledge, throws itself off, but leaves the tail lingering above. The robots use the height difference to close the shape and form a tetrahedron. From there, the tetrahedron robot can move faster than before up an incline.

In another testament to their versatility, the Truss Links showed that they can assist other machines upgrade themselves. A ratchet tetrahedron uses its walking stick like an appendage to lift up another robot below it so it can complete its transformation.

Self-Sustenance and Upgrades

The robots also demonstrated their ability to maintain themselves by discarding modules that are low on battery and replacing them with fresh ones. This self-sustenance feature is a crucial step towards creating truly autonomous robots that don’t rely on human maintenance.

The researchers’ inspiration for this design came from observing how living organisms adapt and grow in their environments. Wyder’s team aims to create “robot ecologies” where multiple robots can coexist, interact, and evolve together, blurring the lines between artificial and natural lifeforms.

Inspired by

• https://futurism.com/prototype-robot-cannabalize-other-robots

Sources

• science.org
• columbia.edu