claytronics.ppt (original) (raw)
Related papers
Claytronics: A scalable basis for future robots
2004
Claytronics is a form a programmable matter that takes the concept of modular robots to a new extreme. The concept of modular robots has been around for some time. (See [14] for a survey.) Previous approaches to modular robotics sought to create an ensemble of tens or even hundreds of small autonomous robots which could, through coordination, achieve a global effect not possible by any single unit. In general the goal of these projects was to adapt to the environment to facilitate, for example, improved locomotion. Our work on claytronics departs from previous work in several important ways. One of the primary goals of claytronics is to form the basis for a new media type, pario. Pario, a logical extension of audio and video, is a media type used to reproduce moving 3D objects in the real world. A direct result of our goal is that claytronics must scale to millions of micron-scale units. Having scaling (both in number and size) as a primary design goal impacts the work significantly...
2012
Abstract: Our final report for this program summerizes how we (Harvard) have greatly improved our understanding of assembly using magnetic levitation, and mechanical agitation. Additionally, we report on how we have developed several types of soft-actuators that change compliance and shape based on pneumatic pressurization.
Application of IT in Nanorobotic
This paper will describe a micro/nano scale medical robot that is within the range of current engineering technology. It is intended for the treatment and/or elimination of medical problems where accumulation of undesired organic substances interferes with normal bodily function, such as: • Tumors • Arteriosclerosis • Blood clots leading to stroke • Accumulation of scar tissue • Localized pockets of infection • Others While much speculation has been published on possible far-future applications of nanotechnology using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, relatively little has been published on applying existing engineering technology to the problems in order to create a solution that can be incrementally improved as the technology becomes available. In this paper, we will describe a mobile robot that can be created with existing technology, that can be used to seek out and destroy inimical tissue within the human body that cannot be accessed by other means. The construction and use of such devices would result in a number of benefits. Not only would it provide either cures or at least a means of controlling or reducing the effects of a number of ailments, but it will also provide valuable empirical data for the improvement and further development of such machines. Practical data garnered from such operations at the microscopic level will allow the elimination of a number of false trails and point the way to more effective methods of dealing with the problems inherent in operation at that level. We will address and propose solutions to problems such as size, method of entry into the body, means of propulsion, means of maintaining a fixed position while operating, control of the device, power source, means of locating substances to be eliminated, mans of doing the elimination and how to remove the device from the body afterward. During the course of this we will also discuss the appropriate manufacturing techniques for the construction of the device.