(((NASA autonomous nanotech. Okay, cue the "Outer Limits"
theme music.)))
http://ants.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Link: Autonomous NanoTechnology Swarm - What's New.
WHAT IS ANTS TECHNOLOGY?
ANTS is an acronym for Autonomous Nano-Technology Swarm. ANTS technology builds on and advances recent trends in robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials processing to minimize costs and maximize effectiveness of space operations.
WHAT IS A TETRAHEDRON?
A tetrahedron is a pyramid with three sides and a base. The tetrahedral pyramid shape is a fundamentally stable structure and the simplest space-filling solid.
HOW DOES A TETRAHEDRON ENGAGE IN LOCOMOTION?
The short answer is by moving the center of mass in a direction just off to the side of a target in the direction of a tetrahedral side until the tetrahedron tips over in that direction, and then moving the center of mass in the direction of an adjacent tetrahedral side just off to the other side of the target until the tetrahedron tips over in the other direction. The center of mass is moved off-center by lengthening and tilting above ground struts in the direction of alternating adjacent sides, creating a flip/flop motion. (((And there's video. LOTS of video.)))
