Researchers at Switzerland’s Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) university are developing tiny modular robots as future building blocks for furniture that moves and self-reconfigures.

The modular robots, called ‘Roombots’, use a rotatable motor and an active connection mechanism with the ability to autonomously latch onto neighboring modules.

The modules are capable of self-assembling themselves to form different types of furniture, such as stools, chairs, sofas and tables, depending on user requirements. 

In addition, the Roombots are able to move from a point A to a point B using their actuated joints.

While the technology could obviously be adapted to suit many different applications, it appears EPFL’s research could be most beneficial for elderly people and those dealing with physical disabilities.

Take a look at the video from EPFL to see the Roombots in action.

Courtesy Gizmodo and EPFL