A team of researchers at Columbia University has developed a new concept called “robot metabolism,” which enables robots to physically “grow,” “heal,” and improve themselves without human intervention. This breakthrough could revolutionize the field of robotics, allowing machines to adapt to new situations and repair themselves independently.
The idea behind robot metabolism is inspired by the modular nature of biological bodies, which can use and reuse modules from other lifeforms. Researchers aim to replicate this ability in robots, enabling them to learn to use and reuse parts from other robots or their environment.
To demonstrate this concept, the team created a simple magnetic stick called the Truss Link, which can expand, contract, and snap together at various angles. This technique could enable two-dimensional shapes to self-assemble and then seamlessly transform into 3D robots.
The potential applications of robot metabolism are vast, ranging from disaster management and space exploration to healthcare and manufacturing. Robots could be used in disaster recovery to repair themselves on the fly, while in space exploration, they may be able to build and adapt without human resupply.
According to Philippe Martin Wyder, lead author and researcher at Columbia Engineering and the University of Washington, “True autonomy means robots must not only think for themselves but also physically sustain themselves.” With robot metabolism, AI can advance cognitively and physically, creating a new dimension of autonomy.
The findings were published in the journal Science Advances, offering a promising glimpse into the future of robotics.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/robot-metabolism-could-help-machines-repair