back to article Robo-termites will stack boxes IN SPAAACE

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a small robot designed to work in large groups to build structures. Dubbed TERMES, the project draws its inspiration from termites, relying on multiple units who repeat a simple task relentlessly in order to build massive structures. The system would take relatively simple …

COMMENTS

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  1. Anonymous Coward
    Anonymous Coward

    If they do work in dangerous places, we need em in Paisley.

  2. Chris G

    Swarm

    Is it too soon to bow down to our swarm overlords?

  3. Captain DaFt

    In news from the future:

    "A tractor trailer carrying Builder Blox Bots overturned on Hiway One today, causing a multi car pile up.

    Rescue efforts have been hampered by scattered bots attempting to build a Starbucks around the crash scene."

  4. John Smith 19 Gold badge
    Thumb Up

    Note that block "compiler" on the video.

    The bit between "define problem" and "program TERMES."

    I think that's going to be very tricky to implement. I'm thinking NP complete?

    But nice video. Thumbs up for the concept.

  5. solo

    Tears in the rain?

    Hope they will not try to avoid being "..tears in the rain.."

  6. Flip

    I mis-read the title...

    ...as Robo-termites will attack boxes...

    Which brought to mind the idea of using swarms of autonomous robots to chew up the space-junk in orbit.

  7. Geoff Johnson

    Vimeo

    Is it just my machine, or does Vimeo not work in Chrome?

    1. Martin Budden Silver badge

      Re: Vimeo

      It works in my Chrome.

  8. Phil Bennett

    Missed musical opportunity

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=mHTnJNGvQcA#t=76

    Sorcerer's Apprentice is definitely the background music you want.

    It is potentially a good line of research into controlling self-assembling structures though, which would be very useful if applied to nano tech.

  9. Coltari

    Right...

    Dyson Sphere round the sun for near limitless energy, group of TERMES to self replicate and begin construction of communication/exploration probes throughout the solar system using scavenged resources from asteroids...

    1. John G Imrie

      Re: Right...

      Hay look at that big blue asteroid it's only 90 million miles from where we want the Dyson Sphere and it's chock loaded with carbon we can use for the structure of the Sphere

    2. annodomini2
      Thumb Down

      Re: Right...

      To build at roughly earth orbit there isn't enough mass.

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