Space Engine is an autonomous kinematic platform with variable morphology. In particular, relates to self-reconfigurable robotic modules capable of directed movement in order to manipulate their overall shape thereby enabling them to interact with and manipulate their surrounding physical space, including our living space, work space, recreation space, etc.
Space Engine provides a platform comprising a self-reconfigurable robot with a plurality of modules used to create structures capable of addressing specific tasks. The robot is able to deliberately change its own shape by rearranging the connectivity of the modules to adapt to new circumstances, perform new tasks, or recover from damage. This platform engine includes a plurality of identical modules that can attach to and detach from one another and are capable of changing positions relative to one another, thereby changing the shape of the overall robotic structure. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own locking and propulsion systems, its own processing, sensing, power and data distribution systems. Space Engine can adapt its shape to suit the needs of the required task by manipulating the individual modules to move to desired positions and then lock together to form a rigid structure.
This self-reconfigurable robot which comprises a plurality of modules. Each module is cubic or rectangular cuboid in shape, with each of the faces including locking and propulsion systems. Each module has at least 3 locks and is capable of attaching or detaching to its immediate neighboring modules.
Each module also has its own propulsion system. The modules can relocate to change their overall structural shape. Modules can be added to or removed from the system. The underlying intent is to have an indefinite number of identical modules in a three dimensional matrix grid structure of self-reconfigurable modules. The ability of the modules to connect and disconnect and to change position with respect to one another enables them to form many objects or perform many tasks – thus enabling them to move or manipulate the three dimensional space and environment surrounding them.