Termites are able to construct complicated structures simply by interacting with their environments. Harvard engineers are attempting to build robots that do the same, and which may be able to build more than models in the future.
The robots know what to build because of onboard sensors—when these sensors register their environment, the robot then applies a set of traffic rules that have been programmed by researchers.
Many different traffic patterns can be used; by using any set of simple rules about how to build, the robots can build an infinite number of structures in an infinite number of ways.
Check out Harvard's termite construction robots in action:
Related Stories
| Dec 17, 2012
CSM Group names recipient of the CSM Architect Fellowship Grant
With the money from the grant, Harlow has chosen to use it entirely for the Chapter of American Institute of Architecture Student’s Freedom by Design Program at Andrews University.
| Dec 9, 2012
AIA: Laboratory design, building for breakthrough science
To earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units, study the article carefully and take the exam.
| Dec 9, 2012
The owner’s perspective: high-rise buildings
Douglas Durst on the practicalities of development: “You must think about a building from the inside out.”
| Dec 9, 2012
Greenzone pop quiz
Greenbuild attendees share their thoughts with BD+C on the SAGE modular classroom.
| Dec 9, 2012
Modular classroom building makes the grade
SAGE modular classroom opens eyes, minds at Greenbuild 2012.
| Dec 9, 2012
14 great solutions
Welcome to the third installment of Building Design+Construction’s “Great Solutions,” highlighting 14 innovative technologies and products that you can put to work in your next project.
| Dec 9, 2012
AEC professionals cautiously optimistic about commercial construction in ’13
Most economists say the U.S. is slowly emerging from the Great Recession, a view that was confirmed to some extent by an exclusive survey of 498 BD+C subscribers whose views we sought on the commercial construction industry’s outlook on business prospects for 2013.