Researchers at Columbia University developed a modular robot system called “Truss Link” that can merge with other robots to self-assemble larger, more functional machines. Each rod-shaped unit can crawl, connect magnetically, and build structures like tetrahedrons. These bots demonstrated adaptive behavior by discarding low-battery parts, forming walking aids, and even helping other bots complete transformations. Though teleoperated in current tests, simulations show potential for self-assembly.

360K views · 10K reactions | We met with MIT graduate student Gregory Xie to get a first hand look at Auxbots, the untethered robotic units that take a different approach to modular robotics. | PCMag | Facebook