These cell-inspired robots can swarm together to move toward the light
The robots are inspired by the way cells travel through the bloodstream to wounds to assist with healing.
How it works: The 25-strong cluster comprises disc-shaped robots, each equipped with magnets around the edges and cogs so they can “stick” to their neighbor. They can only move in two ways: by expanding or contracting. When carefully timed, this motion lets the individual robots push and pull one another to achieve coordinated movement. The robots, described in a paper in Nature this week, are also equipped with sensors that let them detect and then gravitate toward light sources.
Benefits: By working together in this way, the robots can navigate around obstacles, squeeze through gaps, and keep on working even when individual units malfunction. The promise of robotic “swarms” is that they can be responsive, flexible, and robust, the researchers said. A similar paper in December 2018 showing how robots can autonomously swarm by communicating with each other using infrared.
Sign up here to our daily newsletter The Download to get your dose of the latest must-read news from the world of emerging tech.
Deep Dive
Artificial intelligence
This new data poisoning tool lets artists fight back against generative AI
The tool, called Nightshade, messes up training data in ways that could cause serious damage to image-generating AI models.
Rogue superintelligence and merging with machines: Inside the mind of OpenAI’s chief scientist
An exclusive conversation with Ilya Sutskever on his fears for the future of AI and why they’ve made him change the focus of his life’s work.
Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model
If OpenAI's new model can solve grade-school math, it could pave the way for more powerful systems.
Generative AI deployment: Strategies for smooth scaling
Our global poll examines key decision points for putting AI to use in the enterprise.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.