Roblets: A Way of Synthesising Robots

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Industry 4.0 has enabled things to make more decisions for themselves, here centred on the concept of the Smart factory. The manufacturing sector in the UK accounts for 10% of the nation's economic output (£191 billion), corresponding to 65% of the UK's R&D spending in 2018. This amount leaves open the possibility that the UK could establish an economic advantage, depending on how we lead the next industrial revolution. In turn, autonomous mechatronic devices, such as robots, are designed and produced by assembling individual parts by humans or machines. Not only is this a seamless fusion of digital and reality impossible to achieve, but the finished product does not overwrite its form and capabilities afterwards. It is hoped that robots that can grow on their own will become a reality.In this project, we propose a novel technology for realising a robot that 'synthesises' with benefits to manufacturing, healthcare, search and rescue, and robotics technologies at large. For example, if a robot could build itself, and if such a robot were large enough to be swallowed inside the body, it could be assembled inside the body, such as in the stomach, and could perform surgery. The robot will also be able to self-destruct after performing a task, be transported out of the body by digestion and decomposition, or, if a damage occurs, be able to self-repair itself. The project uniquely involves electromagnetism, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and material sciences in the creation of versatile robotic technology for flexible automation. Beyond robotics, through the realisation of artefacts with life-like capabilities, this project will provide insights into how life designs, builds and defines itself.