M-Blocks

MIT CSAIL (USA) · 2013

Not soldResearch prototypes presented at IROS 2013.
Not for sale (research)Not programmableFlywheelMagnetic cubesSelf-assemblyMIT
Not soldShipping: N/A. Research prototypes; not for sale.
Remote control: Not possible. Research prototypes.

Overview

Cubes with no external moving parts that move by suddenly braking an internal flywheel, letting them pivot, leap and snap onto one another via edge magnets. Daniela Rus's group built them to show that self-assembling robots could be far simpler than earlier multi-motor designs.

Specifications

CategoryModular & reconfigurable · Research & self-reconfiguring
Released2013
AvailabilityNot for sale (research)
ProgrammabilityNo programmability
Best forProfessionals & labs
Vision sensorsNo vision sensors
ActuatorsBrushless / direct-drive motors
AudioNo audio
Compute typeArduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote controlNot programmable
SizeSmall cubes (dimensions not published in announcement)
LocomotionInternal flywheel (up to 20,000 rpm) braked to flip, roll, jump and climb onto other cubes
ComputeOnboard microcontroller per cube
CameraNone
SensorsNot published
RuntimeNot published
SpeedNot published
SDKNone public

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits