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Study in Science Advances Demonstrates 'Robot Metabolism' for Self-Growing Machines

Researchers validated a modular system using magnetic Truss Link units that lets robots absorb parts from their surroundings to grow, repair damage, improve mobility

These Truss Links self-assembled to form a tetrahedron.
Stock image of one toy robot "eating" another.

Overview

  • Published on July 16 in Science Advances, proof-of-concept experiments showed Truss Links self-assembling from 2D shapes into functional 3D robots
  • In controlled tests, machines scavenged spare modules to augment their form, including a tetrahedron robot that added a walking-stick link to boost downhill speed by 66.5 percent
  • Truss Link modules use free-form magnetic connectors and telescoping bars to enable flexible assembly and reconfiguration without human intervention
  • Co-author Hod Lipson says the design mirrors biological modularity by teaching robots to reuse components like nutrients for continuous adaptation
  • Researchers are now focused on scaling the framework and planning field trials in disaster recovery and space missions where autonomous maintenance is critical