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‘Odd’ objects that adapt and move without a brain

Researchers develop active metamaterials that can autonomously roll, crawl, and wiggle over unpredictable terrain, including uphill and obstacles. These 'odd' objects achieve motion through unusual interactions between motorized building blocks, demonstrating decentralized and robust locomotion.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Active matter, curved spaces: Mini robots learn to ‘swim’ on stretchy surfaces

Researchers used small wheeled robots to study indirect mechanical interactions on deformable surfaces, finding that active matter can interact through non-contact forces. They created a model to control collective behavior by modifying robot design, mirroring celestial bodies' paths in Einstein's General Relativity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Rapid rovers, speedy sands: Fast-tracking terrain interaction modeling

Researchers have developed a new model, Dynamic Resistive Force Theory (DRFT), to predict the locomotion performance of vehicles and other objects in granular media. The model captures diverse counterintuitive observations in granular locomotion, including behaviors seen in circular and 'grousered' wheel locomotion.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 5, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.