if you are interested in automated building check out this paper from IROS 2011 Distributed Multi-Robot Algorithms for the TERMES 3D Collective Construction System” by Justin Werfel, Kirstin Petersen, and Radhika Nagpal http://bit.ly/oeG8E2
@Tichy That is correct, this doesn't seem to be the most
advanced form of Self-assembly but it could be an important
step towards making a system that, as a whole, is capable of
Self-Reconfiguration (Self-assembly=>Self-Disassemble=>
Self-assembly in to something new)
Imagine a large number of basic building blocks, and a smaller
numbers of of assemblers capable of moving the blocks around.
The individual units would not be capable of Self-Reconfiguration
but the system as a whole would be. It could transform it self
from one state to another state by using the assemblers to
move the building blocks around.
To make the units capable of reconfiguration on their own
or to build a system that is capable of reconfiguration is a
fundamental question in the research field of Self-reconfiguring
modular robotics
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-reconfiguring_modular_robo...)
that I find absolutely amazing and that are making great progress
in research and where we are even starting to see some commercial
products beginning to appear.
Exactly! that is why I am so interested in Self-reconfiguring modular robotics, there are several companies that are starting to offer modules to the general public, although all but one are for manually reconfigured system. But I see a lot of movement in both business and research over the last years. I think that it is likely that you will be able to buy reasonably priced Self-reconfiguring systems in 5-15 years. and in the meantime you can play with cublets :-) http://www.modrobotics.com/blog/?p=187 more on SRCMR http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-reconfiguring_modular_robo...
Hi Anna, like you I am thinking about/planing to move to San Fransisco and the bay area, I am doing it for a slightly different reason ( I am active in a area within roboitics called Self-reconfiguring modular robotics) but I found this post full of useful information, http://startups.ryanjunee.com/an-introduction-to-silicon-val...
I am looking for ways to do this kind of prototyping in small volumes 2, 3 or 5 cm3 and I might need to use flexibel PCB how much harder would this be?
You're great Udo!
Samrat, if you have a problem in a year, drop me a note and I will help you out, taking over the baton in this relay race!
Per