Shape-Shifting Design That Reconfigures After Being Kicked Apart
Marissa Brassfield — January 30, 2009 — Tech
References: newscientist & boingboing.net
This reconfigurable robot comes from roboticist Mark Yim and is an innovative design that can automatically put itself back together after it's been kicked apart. Yim is developing his reconfigurable robot at the University of Pennsylvania.
The end product of research from roboticists like Yim is to create technology that will lead to shape-shifting objects. Such an invention can dramatically reduce the clutter in our toolboxes, garages and homes by automatically changing its form to accommodate its intended use.
Implications - The amazing reassembling robot proved its capabilities in a telling demonstration, where the 2-legged robot is kicked apart and broken into three pieces. The pieces, guided by images from an embedded camera, move across the floor and reconnect, forming the original robot and resuming its walk.
The end product of research from roboticists like Yim is to create technology that will lead to shape-shifting objects. Such an invention can dramatically reduce the clutter in our toolboxes, garages and homes by automatically changing its form to accommodate its intended use.
Implications - The amazing reassembling robot proved its capabilities in a telling demonstration, where the 2-legged robot is kicked apart and broken into three pieces. The pieces, guided by images from an embedded camera, move across the floor and reconnect, forming the original robot and resuming its walk.
Trend Themes
1. Shape-shifting Objects - Opportunity to create technology that automatically changes form to accommodate its intended use.
2. Reconfigurable Robots - Innovation opportunity for robots that can automatically put themselves back together after being disassembled.
3. Clutter Reduction Technology - Potential for technology that can dramatically reduce clutter by changing its form to suit different purposes.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics Industry - The robotics industry can explore disruptive innovations in reconfigurable robots that can self-assemble after being disassembled.
2. Home Organization Industry - Opportunity for the home organization industry to develop clutter reduction technology that can change its form to accommodate different storage needs.
3. Construction Industry - Innovation potential in the construction industry for shape-shifting objects that can be easily reconfigured to suit different building and design requirements.
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