Linking Materials May Transform Robots Made of Robots

A method was developed that unifies the construction of varying types of mechanical metamaterials using a discrete lattice, or LEGO-like system, enabling the design of modular materials with properties tailored to their application. These building blocks and their resulting materials could lead to dynamic structures that can reconfigure on their own; for example, a swarm of robots could form a bridge to allow troops to cross a river. This capability would enhance military maneuverability and survivability of warfighters and equipment.