Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) are creating modular robots that serve as intelligent furniture that can move, assemble, and reconfigured. The robots known as “Roombots” can join with material and furnishings to create adaptable home and office furniture.
The Roombot modules contain a battery, three motors, and a wireless connection, and look like two dice that are stuck together. The motors provide the modules with the ability to move, pivot, and combine with other modules to create pieces of furniture. The team has been able to interact with several modules through a computer algorithm, but is working towards adding the capability of human-robot interactions. The initial goal of the project is to develop mobile furniture that will help individuals with reduced mobility.
