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# Zipped Robot demo
![ZIPPED_CUMULATIVE_VIDEO](uploads/c5d1f1ad4d213bc65a65b45bbe14d9e0/ZIPPED_CUMULATIVE_VIDEO.mp4)
# Structural Robotics: the idea # Structural Robotics: the idea
Development of modular, autonomously reconfigurable robotic system has long been a roboticist's dream. There are many examples in science fiction, including the MicroBot from Big Hero 6, but live demonstrations have been lackluster. [Current modular systems](https://gitlab.cba.mit.edu/falcone/structural_robotics/tree/master/prior%20art) tend to have low stiffness to weight ratios, and thus struggle to scale to the size of construction. Though there are many limiting factors between the animated representations and current realizations, we aim to push the boundary by designing a stiff, light weight system optimized to transform into reconfigurable structural architecture. Development of modular, autonomously reconfigurable robotic system has long been a roboticist's dream. There are many examples in science fiction, including the MicroBot from Big Hero 6, but live demonstrations have been lackluster. [Current modular systems](https://gitlab.cba.mit.edu/falcone/structural_robotics/tree/master/prior%20art) tend to have low stiffness to weight ratios, and thus struggle to scale to the size of construction. Though there are many limiting factors between the animated representations and current realizations, we aim to push the boundary by designing a stiff, light weight system optimized to transform into reconfigurable structural architecture.
...@@ -12,17 +8,19 @@ Development of modular, autonomously reconfigurable structures and systems has m ...@@ -12,17 +8,19 @@ Development of modular, autonomously reconfigurable structures and systems has m
![digital_robot_materials](uploads/3f71093aec77b7fd0d7d56d070d0c78c/digital_robot_materials.JPG) ![digital_robot_materials](uploads/3f71093aec77b7fd0d7d56d070d0c78c/digital_robot_materials.JPG)
## The Task
> “Individual systems will also be capable of 4D transformation – 4D being the ability to change the system’s shape, modality, and function. For example, a swarm of unmanned systems will be capable of moving to an obstacle, such as a river, and then forming a structure to span the gap.” > “Individual systems will also be capable of 4D transformation – 4D being the ability to change the system’s shape, modality, and function. For example, a swarm of unmanned systems will be capable of moving to an obstacle, such as a river, and then forming a structure to span the gap.”
We propose to do the same for materiel, by introducing a new kind of modular, re-configurable robotic system that blurs the boundary between mobile robots and active structures. This is a structural robotic system which is comprised of many agents that, like ants, can interlink to form self-assemblages. Each is constructed from a high-performance structural system that can be reconfigured to realize a range of dynamic forms. Along with spanning gaps, potential applications include novel forms of locomotion, rapidly erecting temporary structures, autonomously adapting to changing requirements, and performing active tasks such as shaping antennas. We propose to do the same for materiel, by introducing a new kind of modular, re-configurable robotic system that blurs the boundary between mobile robots and active structures. This is a structural robotic system which is comprised of many agents that, like ants, can interlink to form self-assemblages. Each is constructed from a high-performance structural system that can be reconfigured to realize a range of dynamic forms. Along with spanning gaps, potential applications include novel forms of locomotion, rapidly erecting temporary structures, autonomously adapting to changing requirements, and performing active tasks such as shaping antennas.
## ZIPPED # ZIPPED
## Zipped Robot demo
![ZIPPED_CUMULATIVE_VIDEO](uploads/c5d1f1ad4d213bc65a65b45bbe14d9e0/ZIPPED_CUMULATIVE_VIDEO.mp4)
A zipped approach was selected and developed further towards these goals. This system allows isotropic strands of assembled pieces to lock together to form rigid structures. ## Zipped mechanisms video
![d71b0796](uploads/07bee0f2b55f62086659e40356d9a2bd/d71b0796.png) ![CUMULATIVE_MECHANISMS_VIDEO](uploads/29507d51235c8e0b6c0c9f7ef3e7586c/CUMULATIVE_MECHANISMS_VIDEO.mp4)
Strands may move independently or upon pre-existing structures. Strands may move independently or upon pre-existing structures.
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