Researchers at Columbia University have developed robots capable of self-repair and growth by integrating materials from their environment or other machines, a process termed "robot metabolism." This advancement enables robots to adapt and evolve over time, enhancing their resilience and functionality.
The core of this innovation is the "Truss Link," a modular robotic component that can self-assemble into complex structures. These units can incorporate new parts from their surroundings or other robots, allowing for physical development and adaptation. For instance, a robot shaped like a tetrahedron can enhance its functionality by adding a piece, increasing its speed.
Hod Lipson, co-author of the study and director of Columbia's Creative Machines Lab, emphasizes the significance of this development: "Biological bodies, in contrast, are all about adaptation—lifeforms can grow, heal, and adapt. Ultimately, we'll have to get robots to do the same—to learn to use and reuse parts from other robots." This approach aims to create autonomous robots capable of self-maintenance and adaptation, reducing reliance on human intervention.
The research, published in the journal *Science Advances*, represents a significant step toward more adaptable and resilient robotic systems. By mimicking biological processes, these robots can autonomously repair and enhance themselves, paving the way for their use in complex and dynamic environments where human maintenance is impractical.