Designed for space exploration, these modular robots transform at will!

Series repeats Stargate SG-1 Are they about to become reality? Researchers from Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne They have just developed a modular robot inspired by origami. Called Mori3, each module takes the form of a triangle, and several modules can be grouped to create 3D robots. The researchers detail their invention in the journal Nature’s machine intelligence.

Each of the triangular units can operate completely independently. They are equipped with motors to move on a flat surface and actuate links when connected to another unit. Its three sides can elongate independently of the others, allowing the robot to change shape and size as needed. It is equipped with batteries and wireless connection.

This video shows the Mori3 modular robot that changes shape and assembles into various structures such as a quadruple arm or a mechanical arm. ©EPFL

A robot designed for spaceships

The modules can then be assembled into a polygonal grid to create complex and articulated structures, adapted to the tasks at hand. For example, the researchers showed ten units of Mori3 assembled to create a quadrupedal robot capable of walking.

Mori3 is designed for space travel. Its main asset is its versatility. Instead of having to send different specialized robots into space for each mission, astronauts can simply take a bunch of Mori3 modules and assemble them as needed.