Termite Inspired Bots Build without a Leader

Tiny Robots Mimic Termites' Ability to Build without a Leader

Feb 13, 2014
The small, autonomous robots developed by the researchers.

Termites can create mounds that are hundreds of times their own size, working independently without communication or a leader. Inspired by the creatures, scientists have created robots that use just a few simple rules and environmental cues to build castle-like structures and pyramids.

The robots all work independently. Each travels along a grid and can move, climb a step and lift and put down bricks. And they use sensors to detect other robots and existing bricks, and react to these stimuli according to a simple set of rules, such as when to lay a brick or climb a step higher. The template for each three-dimensional structure is translated into a specific set of 'traffic rules' and combined with fixed laws of robot behavior, says co-author Justin Werfel, a computer scientist at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His team's results appear today in Science.

I thought this was interesting. Here we have bots building things without a leader. Cooperating and Accomplishing on their own the task given. I can imagine this someday being scaled both up [Large man sized Automatons] and down [Medical Nano-bots in the human body - repairing organs] The question for me then becomes, how soon would the possibility of an Artificial Hive mind develop?


Don't think the 'Nano-bots' are too far off in our future. I posted this thread just the other day.
Tiny swimming bio-bots, A New reality

reply to post by SLAYER69


I don't know how far advance we are with all of this , however it is wonderful technology and the applications are almost endless.

reply to post by SLAYER69


I can envision sending these little critters to the moon, waiting a while, and having a pre-made moon base (or even Mars!) waiting for us.

reply to post by beezzer


Or even perhaps even being there already and searching for John Lear.............

The dyslexic part of me thought it said Thermite inspired Bolts build without a leader....I was like oh cool thermite bolts, cant wait to get my hands on those!!!!

reply to post by SLAYER69


Now think Nano-bots. Rebuilding shattered bodies, removal of toxins, disease, cancer etc. Brilliant

Thanks for the replies. I thought some would be interested.

Tune into ATS LIve to hear discussion on this most excellent thread by the Slayer


www.abovetopsecret.com...

Cheers Zazz