No longer science fiction, self-replicating robots have arrived at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), according to researchers.
MIT is a private institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was established in 1861 and has played an essential part in advancing modern technology and scientific progress.
The Biomimetics Robotics Lab at MIT works on designing and controlling robots inspired by nature. For example, many animals can exhibit incredible feats of speed and agility that inspire robotic engineers.
MIT researchers in the lab are developing small robotic devices capable of self-replication. They are called a “voxel,” an individual component of a 3D printer; it carries power and information.
They use their technique to produce physical visualizations without requiring any preprocessing of data before visualization. Therefore, they bridge the gap between digital data representation and biological materials used to create physical objects.
Then, they evaluate their method’s visual properties and features and analyze its relevance and applicability when creating physical visualizations. They then convert data into suitable formats for 3D printable files.
Voxel Self-Replicating Robots
Voxel technology allows for robots to be assembled from smaller parts and combined into larger ones. These small parts communicate with each other and form the whole structure.
It could build a structure, another robot of the exact same shape, or a larger one.
Voxels will help each other replicate themselves into more significant structures. However, these robots won’t be built until at least several years from now.
Researchers at MIT have developed an artificial intelligence system that can identify objects from drone images. They’ve been working with the automotive industry, aerospace industry, and NASA on the technology.
At MIT, they push boundaries and explore new possibilities in a rather joyous obsession. They celebrate fundamental discoveries and practical implications alike. Teachers also value research for its capacity to teach by doing. It will be amazing to see what they come up with next.