The robots are genetic self-assembling mobile robots. The different structures of the robot include genetic algorithms and a mechanism of production. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for production technology and automation API [1] Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg) will present their mobile machines at the Euromold Frankfurt / Main (Hesse) to be held 1 to 4 December 2010.

The robots do not only play an important role in auto production, they are also useful for reconnaissance, transport and services. Modeling paths to and patterns of movement forward or reach for objects is a central challenge for engineers. Researchers at the institute have managed APIs with their robots to automatically generate a genetic mobile robot using a genetic algorithm software, without the intervention of a manufacturer.

The robots are made of cylindrical tubes connected by spherical joints (ball joints). Depending on the desired shape or other external parameters, the spherical activated automatically so that the robot achieves its objectives. Andreas Fischer, industrial designer and developer of the project at the Fraunhofer Institute IPA, said: “the term” advance the most effective on a flat surface “just as initial order. The robot then decides which items with it will achieve the objectives. The firmware defines the shape of the tubes, the position of the engines and the way to go.

At the base engine is a computer, which are implemented in the environmental parameters such as friction on the ground or gravity. When the robot is climbing stairs or swimming in water, these parameters are automatically updated. The results calculated by the robot consist of a multitude of solutions, including the manufacturer chooses the best. Andreas Fischer said that “one of the successes is that the robot imagines often astonishing variants, mutations in which the manufacturer would not mind.” The robot is modular, it may for example include a gripping system for industrial robotics.

Source:

“Roboter aus dem Rechner”, press release of the Fraunhofer Society – 19/11/2010 -

Source:

“Roboter aus dem Rechner”, press release of the Fraunhofer Society – 19/11/2010 -http://www.fraunhofer.de/presse/presseinformationen/2010/11/euromold-robote…