The 'ElectroVoxel' Robots Can Reshape Themselves in Outer Space
Colin Smith — March 11, 2022 — Tech
Researchers ar the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a small robotic cube named the 'ElectroVoxel.' This cube is lightweight, only 2.4-inches wide, and made from largely sustainable materials. What is unique about this cube is that it can magnetically stick to other ElectroVoxels. When the cubes are stuck together, they are capable of rotating around each other and changing shape through the use of magnetic polarity.
The ElectroVoxel features a circuit board with ferrite core magnets wrapped in copper wire. Through this use of magnets and a simple instructional circuit board, the cubes can alter their layout in a gravity-free environment. MIT researchers have stated that this technology is useful for a variety of space missions, particularly in ones where the tools used are likely destroyed. The ElectroVoxels suit this mission because they are inexpensive, made from sustainable materials, are lightweight, and are versatile in their shape and storage sizes.
Image Credit: MITCSAIL, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The ElectroVoxel features a circuit board with ferrite core magnets wrapped in copper wire. Through this use of magnets and a simple instructional circuit board, the cubes can alter their layout in a gravity-free environment. MIT researchers have stated that this technology is useful for a variety of space missions, particularly in ones where the tools used are likely destroyed. The ElectroVoxels suit this mission because they are inexpensive, made from sustainable materials, are lightweight, and are versatile in their shape and storage sizes.
Image Credit: MITCSAIL, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Trend Themes
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Industry Implications
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