A recent article on SPACE.COM introduces us to the TETWalker, a robot that actually moves by changing its shape so it can “fall” in a chosen direction.

"If current robotic rovers topple over on a distant planet, they are doomed -- there is no way to send someone to get them back on their wheels again. However, TETwalkers move by toppling over. It's a very reliable way to get around," said Dr. Steven Curtis, principal investigator for the project.

Much more than just innovative thinking about mobility, groups of TETwalkers could “swarm” together to form larger structures, such as communication arrays.

The prototype was tested in Antarctica in January for harsh Mars-like testing. Motors may be placed at the center of the struts to improve reliability. The Autonomous Nanotechnology Swarm team (ANTS) believe that TETWalkers can be miniaturized using micro-electro-mechanical systems; by retracting their struts fully, TETWalkers can be stored for space voyages in very small spaces.

Eventually, it is hoped that the tiny 'bots will be able to swarm together to construct small objects or structures, like communications dishes.

Click Here for the entire article.

Also, check out the autonomous nanotechnology swarm website (with cool concept videos).

Posted by Michael at April 9, 2005 05:09 PM