Robots Grow, Self‑Repair and Adapt by “Consuming” Machine Parts
A team from Columbia University’s Creative Machines Lab has unveiled a novel concept known as Robot Metabolism, where modular Robots Grow can consume components from other robots—or their environment—to grow, heal, and adapt. Their research, published in Science Advances, introduces a magnetic, stick‑like module called a Truss Link. These modules self‑assemble into structures that can morph, repair damage, and enhance their capabilities by integrating additional parts.
In experiments, the Truss Links formed two‑dimensional shapes that evolved into three‑dimensional assemblies. One tetrahedral configuration proved especially impressive: by adding a new link, it gained a walking‑stick appendage that increased its downhill speed by over 66.5% This physical “metabolism” mimics biological evolution—repurposing modules from its surroundings to optimise performance, demonstrating a shift from static machines to self‑modifying robotic bodies.
Lead researchers Philippe Wyder and Hod Lipson emphasise that this capability marks a pivotal advancement in autonomy: robots that think and sustain themselves physically are crucial for long‑duration missions like disaster response or space exploration. They envision future robot ecologies where machines operate independently, self‑maintaining, reproducing, and evolving. While still early-stage, these findings hint at a future where robots aren’t just built by humans—they can grow and adapt on their own.
