Not soldResearch project funded by the Swiss NCCR Robotics. Start year estimated (est.).

Not for sale (research)Not programmableSelf-reconfiguringFurnitureResearch3-DOF modules

Not soldShipping: N/A. Lab research project. Not for sale.

Remote control: Not possible. Research hardware, not distributed.

EPFL BioRob Roombots ↗

Overview

EPFL's self-reconfigurable modules meant to become furniture that moves, assembles itself and helps people, demonstrated in autonomously moving furniture. Each module has three continuous rotational joints and ten connection ports with gender-less latches. A 2020 paper showed 12 modules (36 DOF) self-reconfiguring and manipulating objects.

Specifications

Category	Modular & reconfigurable · Research & self-reconfiguring
Released	2010
Availability	Not for sale (research)
Programmability	No programmability
Best for	Professionals & labs
Vision sensors	No vision sensors
Actuators	Unknown
Audio	No audio
Compute type	Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote control	Not programmable
Size	Module 110 × 110 × 220 mm, 1.4 kg
Locomotion	Modules roll, crawl and climb, groups self-assemble into tables, stools and walking structures
Compute	Per-module controller, Bluetooth communication
Camera	None
Sensors	Joint encoders (details not published)
Runtime	~1 hour (4-cell 1200 mAh LiPo per module)
Speed	Not published
SDK	None public (research software and user interface)