Researchers build set of shape-changing robots for use as adaptive furniture

Researchers from the Biorobotics Laboratory (BIOROB) at the Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EFPL) in Switzerland have built a set of modular shape-changing robots called Roombots that can be reconfigured in three dimensions, meaning they are able to change shapes and in this case, would become adaptive furniture, Forbes reports.

The whole idea, which the researchers admitted sounded somewhat crazy, was to create furniture that was capable of changing shape over time in line with the needs of those using it.

A table could morph into a chair and vice versa.

Modular robots are basically simple modules capable of attaching and detaching themselves.

Additionally, the researchers also envision that a group of Roombots capable of autonomously connecting to each other, could also move (with actuated joints) around the room to different locations depending on the needs of the users.

Also when the occasional table was no longer required, Roombots could just change shape and create a static structure, like a wall.

As regards applicability, a lot of the prototype technology in robotics, had direct immediate applications to people with assistive needs or the elderly who were living longer than before.

The Roombot could be used as assistive furniture for the elderly or for people with a motor handicap to create furniture that fitted their needs and moved to them when they needed it.

The new type of modular robot system was unveiled this month and had been developed to provide a system that was capable of transforming furniture into whatever its user might require.

Perhaps being able to move already existing furniture around the room when required or transform it from a chair into a table depending on your requirements.

''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 BIROB, said eventually all that was needed to be done was to programme the layout of a bedroom or a conference room and then, then let the modules go about their work, Geeky Gadgets reported.

The Roombots modular robot system was still currently in the early stages of development and the researchers were developing systems for users to be able to control the robots effectively using voice or gesture commands.