Physicists have recently unveiled a groundbreaking modular robot named the Granulobot that merges both liquid and solid properties. Inspired by the swarming behavior seen in nature, the Granulobot showcases the ability to split, reassemble, and reorganize itself to adapt to various environments. This unique robot, developed by University of Chicago’s Professor Heinrich Jaeger and Research Scientist Baudouin Saintyves, blurs the lines between soft, modular, and swarm robotics.

The Granulobot, created in partnership with Illinois Institute of Technology’s Professor Matthew Spenko, consists of simple cylindrical units equipped with magnets that allow them to connect and move collectively. The robot’s design enables it to transform between rigid and soft states predictably and reversibly, a key feature for its shape-shifting capabilities. This transformative ability is made possible by leveraging the jamming phenomenon that occurs in granular materials, wherein particles come together so closely that their flow halts, simulating a traffic jam effect.

Jaeger illustrates this jamming concept using the analogy of a brick of vacuum-sealed coffee as an example. Just like breaking the seal of the coffee brick enables the coffee grounds to pour out, the Granulobot relies on jamming to transition between a more liquid-like behavior to a solid-like state. This fundamental principle allows the Granulobot to demonstrate its modular and self-organizing characteristics.

While the current Granulobot model features larger cylindrical units, Jaeger envisions the possibility of future iterations with thousands of smaller units that can appear as a singular mass. This advancement opens up potential applications in various environments, including underwater or outer space, showcasing the versatility of the Granulobot concept beyond scale and temperature limitations.

Beyond robotics, the Granulobot project challenges conventional notions of matter, offering a new perspective on the interplay between material science and robotics. By blurring the boundaries between machines and materials, the team aims to redefine the relationship between programmable matter and autonomous robots. This innovative approach marks a significant step towards reimagining the interaction between matter and robotics, paving the way for promising advancements in both fields.

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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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