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Snail-inspired robotic swarms: a hybrid connector drives collective adaptation in unstructured outdoor environments

Author

Listed:
  • Da Zhao

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
    Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society)

  • Haobo Luo

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
    Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society)

  • Yuxiao Tu

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
    Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society)

  • Chongxi Meng

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
    Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society)

  • Tin Lun Lam

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
    Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society)

Abstract

Terrestrial self-reconfigurable robot swarms offer adaptable solutions for various tasks. However, most existing swarms are limited to controlled indoor settings, and often compromise stability due to their freeform connections. To address these issues, we present a snail robotic swarm system inspired by land snails, tailored for unstructured environments. Our system also employs a two-mode connection mechanism, drawing from the adhesive capabilities of land snails. The free mode, mirroring a snail’s natural locomotion, leverages magnet-embedded tracks for freeform mobility, thereby enhancing adaptability and efficiency. The strong mode, analogous to a snail’s response to disturbance, employs a vacuum sucker with directional polymer stalks for robust adhesion. By assigning specific functions to each mode, our system achieves a balance between mobility and secure connections. Outdoor experiments demonstrate the capabilities of individual robots and the exceptional synergy within the swarm. This research advances the real-world applications of terrestrial robotic swarms in unstructured environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Da Zhao & Haobo Luo & Yuxiao Tu & Chongxi Meng & Tin Lun Lam, 2024. "Snail-inspired robotic swarms: a hybrid connector drives collective adaptation in unstructured outdoor environments," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47788-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47788-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hod Lipson & Jordan B. Pollack, 2000. "Automatic design and manufacture of robotic lifeforms," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6799), pages 974-978, August.
    2. Nithin Mathews & Anders Lyhne Christensen & Rehan O’Grady & Francesco Mondada & Marco Dorigo, 2017. "Mergeable nervous systems for robots," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
    3. Shuguang Li & Richa Batra & David Brown & Hyun-Dong Chang & Nikhil Ranganathan & Chuck Hoberman & Daniela Rus & Hod Lipson, 2019. "Particle robotics based on statistical mechanics of loosely coupled components," Nature, Nature, vol. 567(7748), pages 361-365, March.
    4. Nithin Mathews & Anders Lyhne Christensen & Rehan O’Grady & Francesco Mondada & Marco Dorigo, 2017. "Publisher Correction: Mergeable nervous systems for robots," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-1, December.
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