30/04/2016
Claytronics
Written By: Shruti Kausik
Claytronics is a futuristic concept which essentially brings together the best contributions of computer science and nanoscale robotics to fashion particularized nanometer-scale computers, commonly referred to as claytronic atoms. These claytronic atoms or catoms are capable to interact with each other and form 3D display of electronic information which further users can interact with. The concept of claytronics can be signified as programmable matter and is driven with a thought to simplify telecommunication, entertainment and human-computer interfaces. Claytronics brings the life to the interactive form of information for user’s assistance so as they can experience digital environments which are indistinguishable from reality. Claytronics crosses the frontier of incredible with its breathtaking advancements in design and technology.
Claytronics: Leap to a superlative future with shape-shifting technology
With the coherent examination of composite software and modular reconfigurable robotics, the evolution of shape changing robots will take place in the years to come. Although a lot of challenges stands in the way as controlling and programming a good number of disconnected modular systems is strenuous because of disassociate degree of freedom of every module. As an example, switching from one form to another form requires multiple path of movements with the service of complex sequences of commands although the shapes have a slight mismatch.
Claytronics has shaped hypothetical ideas into reality i.e. the idea of a bracelet changing into a phone or a watch is no more a theoretical impression buried in the pages, but is now a reality which is all thanks to the breakthrough technology known as claytronics. This futuristic simulation system has the ability to transform one object into another object irrespective of size, shape, functions and color. Extensive trials and research related to claytronics are performed and conducted in Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania by a specialized team which comprises of Prof. Todd C. Mowry and Seth Goldstein and few other researchers from Intel Labs Pittsburgh.
Catoms: Present and Future:
The current catoms as founded by Carnegie Mellon University, are developed in various prototypes ranging from tiny dices to giant helium balloons. The catoms forms itself into a 44 mm diameter cylinders which are fortified with 24 electromagnets, aligned in a sequence of stacked rings rounding the cylinder’s circumference. With the constant enabling and disabling of the magnets by the catoms along the surface triggers a movement. The prototypes are capable of reconfiguring themselves swiftly which is done by the uncoupling of two units followed by movement to another point and then recoupling again in about 100 ms. Power is supplied using the conductive strips present on the table supply.
Current catoms are only capable of moving in two dimensions which are relative tone another but future catoms will be able to move in three dimensions. The research team is working on to create a millimeter scale catom which will be allowed mass manufacturability. The future micro robots will be able to emit color, light and will permit dynamic physical rendering. Future catoms will be capable to perform more advanced functions.
Software and Languages proposed for Claytronics:
Locally distributed predicates (LDP): A reactive programming language which was formerly intended for triggering debugging in the prior research. LDP helps programmers to design and develop matrix and analyze the dispersed local conditions.
Meld: A declarative language or a logic programming language that was formerly created for encoding overlay networks. This language is specifically designed to focus on overall performance of claytronics matrix. Meld can also be referred to as logic language to ensemble robots.
Distributed Watchpoints: Since tons of robotic programing is involved for millions of catoms, as a result, detection of errors becomes tedious and difficult. Therefore, a self-driven and dynamic process was required. Distributed Watchpoints determines the errors and also the validity of dispersed conditions.
Algorithms: Claytronics algorithms is categorized as localization algorithms and shape sculpting algorithms. Shape sculpting algorithms aims to transform catoms into required structures while localization algorithms helps catoms to localize their intended positions in an ensemble.
Applications of Claytronics:
Millions of catoms aligned through a self-assembly and aiding users to experience electronic information is a vision of claytronics. Claytronics gives life to the idea of programming the world. Claytronics has the ability to renovate a room’s environment to that of an individual’s own living room. The proposed technology aims to target the telecommunication sector initially which means a user will be able to touch, see and hear the one communicating with them. The idea is difficult to implement and majorly depends upon the technological advancements in both nanotechnology and software sectors. Claytronics is a beautiful thought but the repercussions are unlimited provided the level of knowledge and resources availability. Claytronics can change the entire lifestyle of people besides simplifying it. The team working on the concept has estimated that within a few years, the world will see the revolution.
Source:http://www.engineersgarage.com/articles/claytronics
