In the near future, a lot of “living Legos” will be thrown to the ground and we will see how everything organizes itself, some blocks crawl under logs, others hook together and become a bridge, and a drone still helps to build a shelter.

It was more or less what the DarkMouth team tested in the open air. Modular cube-shaped robots that combine rigid rods with adjustable ropes to change shape and move on real terrain.

And how does this gadget work?

Each block has eight rods coming out of a 3D printed core with battery and Wi-Fi inside. Motors in the lids tension the strings, a small deformation in the cube produces great movement when several are connected.

The stages have closures to connect to each other, with a load, a module walks for 3 hours, the result of the practice are blocks crawling under logs, crossing shackles, forming walkways over a stream and, even becoming a stretcher, transporting a doll.

Inspiration comes from ants, chains that fill gaps, and drones, where do they come in? On the aerial scaffolding, on the ground, connecting is easy, climbing is another story. With the drone, the team positions modules at height, overcomes gravity and assembles 3D structures, almost like a 3D printing of blocks.

They also did search and rescue tests, a drone helped locate and recover a deactivated module, the game becomes something serious in emergencies, light, resistant blocks, launchable from an airplane that are quickly organized on a bridge or shelter where it is not possible to take trucks.

Where does this fit into real life?

Civil defense, temporary access, support for tents, routes over flooded areas, works, reconfigurable scaffolding, logistics, temporary walkways, exploration, hostile terrain; The great advantage is versatility, same hardware, multiple combinations.

I hope the information is useful when making a decision when you visit this beautiful country, don't forget to support me and we'll see each other next time, bye.

All images were taken from the Resource All images including schematics, photos and models are mine