Robots transform into furniture at EPFL

EPFL scientists are creating futuristic furniture that can move around and autonomously change its shape. This innovation may prove useful to support disabled individuals. EPFL scientists from the Biorobotics Laboratory (BIOROB) have developed small robotic modules that can change their shape to create reconfigurable furniture. "Eventually, all you'll need to do is program the layout of a bedroom or a conference room, then let the modules do the work," says Auke Ijspeert, head of the BIOROB. His "Roombots" project, co-­funded by the National Centre for Competence in Research Robotics, is the subject of an article that has been published in the online version of the journal Robotics and Autonomous Systems. Retractable claws - Like Lego bricks, Roombots pieces can be stacked upon each other to create various structures. Each 22 cm-long piece, which looks like two large dice joined together, has a wireless connection.