Roboticists at West Virginia University are exploring the potential of a “multicellular robot” named Loopy, which could determine its own shape with minimal human intervention.

Led by Professor Yu Gu, the research team will test Loopy’s ability to use its interconnected cells to mark the boundary of contaminated areas, like oil spills.

Loopy is an example of “swarm robotics,” where simple, decentralized reactions among its 36 cells lead to complex, coordinated behaviors, WBOY 12 has reported.

The team will test Loopy’s adaptability in a simulated environment to see if its self-organized problem-solving offers greater resilience than pre-programmed behaviors.

The project is supported by a National Science Foundation award.

Written by B.C. Begley