SMORES / SMORES-EP

UPenn ModLab (with Cornell) (USA) · 2012

Not soldResearch modules. ~$300 parts cost per original SMORES module. SMORES-EP (electro-permanent magnet connectors) featured in Science Robotics, 2018.
Not for sale (research)Not programmableSelf-reconfiguringMobile modulesScience RoboticsUPenn
Not soldShipping: N/A. Lab research project. Not for sale.
Remote control: Not possible. Research hardware.

Overview

Self-assembling MOdular Robot for Extreme Shapeshifting: 4-DOF cube modules that can drive on their own, dock with each other and rearrange into lattice, chain or mobile configurations. The later SMORES-EP system used electro-permanent magnets and a library of shapes so the robot could autonomously pick a new shape when its current one could not complete a task. A key demonstration of task-driven self-reconfiguration.

Specifications

CategoryModular & reconfigurable · Research & self-reconfiguring
Released2012
AvailabilityNot for sale (research)
ProgrammabilityNo programmability
Best forProfessionals & labs
Vision sensorsCamera
ActuatorsDC / gear motors
AudioNo audio
Compute typeArduino / ESP32 / microcontroller, Laptop / PC as the brain
Remote controlNot programmable
Size100 × 100 × 90 mm, 0.52 kg per module (original SMORES)
LocomotionEach module has two wheels plus pan and tilt joints, modules drive independently and dock into chains or lattices
ComputePer-module controller, offboard planning
CameraExternal/perception module in SMORES-EP demos
SensorsNot published per module
RuntimeNot published
Speed1.1 body lengths/s (original module)
SDKNone public

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits