Available Technology
Self-organizing algorithms that enable dynamic control of the shape of a robot based on real-time changes in environmental variables
Technology:
Decentralized, self-maintaining algorithm
Markets Addressed
Modular robots are a class of robotic systems composed of many identical, connected, programmable modules that can coordinate to change the shape of the overall robot. This versatility allows a single robot to perform a wide range of applications by reconfiguring its shape to perform different functions. This requires robust and scalable control algorithms that can form a wide range of user-specified shapes, including shapes that adapt to the environment. Harvard's novel algorithm achieves environmentally-adaptive shapes and can be used in a variety of applications such as self-balancing furniture (for example, a table that maintains surface level irrespective of underlying environment), terrain-adaptive bridge (a bridge that adapts to terrain deformation), and physical display of 3D object (a surface that dynamically and physically renders an object). The technology can also be used in military camouflage and auto-deformable optical surface for high precision telescope.
Innovations and Advantages
The invention is an algorithm for self-organizing of environmentally-adaptive shapes. Current algorithms only address shapes that are fully specified in advance – the environment plays no important role in the final shape. For many applications, however, the shape may need to directly sense the environment and confirm its configuration to fit the environment. In contrast to current state of the art, our algorithm can achieve a wide class of environmentally-adaptive shapes and the module control is simple, scalable and robust. The algorithm is also highly responsive and robust in the face of real-world actuation and sensing noise. In addition, the algorithm is also self-maintaining, i.e. the shape automatically adapts if the environment changes. A working prototype of a self-leveling table has been constructed in the lab.
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status: Patent pending
Publication:
"Self-Organization of Environmentally-Adaptive Shapes on a Modular Robot" Link to the manuscript
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Inventor(s):
Nagpal, Radhika
Yu, Chih-Han
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Alan Gordon, Director of Business Development
(617) 384-5000
Reference Harvard Case #3067