Termites Inspire Robots to Another Level

Scientists have created a new blueprint for the thinking of a group of robots based on termites. Insects such as termites react to their environment independently as opposed to a group with a central leader.

Robots with this kind of thought pattern will be of particular use in hostile environments such as underwater and space research. Groups of robots will also be able to work on levees when it becomes too dangerous for people to be present. Another benefit of robots with individualistic mannerisms is their ability to survive and continue working on their own after others have been rendered useless. The concept of “stigmergy,” that coordinated behavior can arise from information left in the environment, is the foundation of the artificial intelligence of the new form of robots which guides them to continue and learn from their surroundings.

The robots react to their immediate environment and take cues from it to determine how to continue building as opposed to wait from a programmer or human supervisor. The four sensors involved in the robot’s ability to work are infrared, ultrasound, an accelerometer for climbing, and tactile sensing – push buttons. The robots relative simplicity regarding sensors lends for easier programming and adaptability which will likely make their adoption and popularity more widespread.