EPFL’s Modular Roombots Can Create Different Pieces of Furniture
These self-assembling and reconfiguring bots can autonomously connect to each other to form chairs, sofas, tables, and more.
EPFL’s Roombots are modular robots that can self-assemble to create various shapes and platforms. They have been around for the better part of a decade, and are capable of moving on their own, connecting to each other, and assembling collectively to form everything from tables to chairs. The Roombots would be an ideal solution for those living in small apartments where they could assemble and disassemble into furniture on demand. Imagine sitting and eating breakfast on a table and chair, and then have them break down and self-assemble into a relaxing couch shortly afterward.
In a recently released paper, researchers provided an update to their modular robots by demonstrating new swarm transformations, as well as how they can interact with existing furniture for increased capabilities, including having a chair follow you around, or other pieces of furniture moving into storage spaces for later use. Every Roombot is outfitted with a wireless system that allows them to communicate with each other, and feature several motors that enable them to pivot on 3-DOF. Each face has retractable metal claws that makes it possible for them to connect or to attach to static objects, and using a series of rotations, lets them form different shapes.
The researchers explain that to metamorphose, the Roombots need to attach to passive elements, and thus need to anchor themselves to something, and valuable furniture isn’t an ideal solution. To overcome that obstacle, they designed a unique surface outfitted with holes the robots can attach to using their metal claws, which can be affixed to walls, floors, and other surfaces. For example, if you wanted them to form into a shelf, you could place that special surface on a wall, which they could climb and change into a shelf.
The team is still developing the Roombots and optimizing their software, meaning we won’t see them on the market anytime soon. Still, when they do eventually, we will have the ability to transform any room and its furniture on command!