In the future, the world's tallest building could be built by termite inspired robots that similar to the insect, are programmed to react directly to its environment and operate individually instead of with a chain of command like we complete our big projects. In this
article, these worker drones can allow humans to take a backseat on the dangerous jobs so humans do not have to needlessly risk their lives. The robots are not big measuring to a height of 4.7 inches, with a footprint of 4 x 7 inches. They operate by using their whegs, or wheel-legs, these hook onto the surface allowing them to traverse the surface of the construction project with ease. Unlike science fiction however, these bees are not connected to a hive mind. According to Jason Werfel of the Wyss institute for Biologically inspired Engineering "They do all of their coordination indirectly, by changing their shared environment." This means that they communicate by changing the environment around them and the other robots will react by altering what they come across as well. Thus building in the style of Termites.
These robots might have one really useful ability that would save us time and money and that is building in space. These robots could make repairs on the international space station allowing astronauts and mission control to observe their progress from safety. The robots could also be used to repair rovers or a potential station on another planet such as Mars. Also by not having a centralized chain of command if one or more robots are damaged and are inoperable the rest of the "colony" will continue to complete the project with ease. This eases the logistical concerns of humans supervising these workers from a distance. These robots could usher in a new age where robots are able to complete the most dangerous and difficult assignments without the risk of losing human life. I am very interested in these robots and am curious to see what other robotic technology is ushered in after these amazing little workers.
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