With the summer blockbuster ‘Transformers’ hitting the big screen in July, Dr Rob Richardson was asked by Total Film magazine just how close we are to a world of ‘robots in disguise’
Date: July. 20th. 2007
The technology exists now to make transformers feasible (albeit without intelligence or super weapons), but it is probably not worthwhile pursuing. The premise of the film is that one form of machine can change into another, with both forms offering distinct advantages. For example, a plane that can fly at high speeds can alter its configuration to a humanoid form suitable for walking. It is unlikely that such a transformation would be worth the increased complexity, weight, size and cost. A separate plane and humanoid robot (two specialised, fixed configuration units), would each have far greater individual performance than one combined transforming system.
Modular robotics is an emerging research area investigating the creation of what could be considered as transforming systems. Take a large number of identical robot modules then join them together into a single system, and you have yourself a modular robot. Due to the large number of modules, the robot is able to use some modules to do useful stuff and other modules to change shape and form.
The grand challenge of modular robotics is known as self-reconfiguring (SR) modular robotics. Robots of this type are able to detach parts and then reattach them in different locations. This can be imagined as taking off your arm and attaching it to your foot! or a Lego set with the capability of self assembling into any feasible form-a very powerful concept. This self-reconfiguration was illustrated in the terminator 2 morphing robot; although the numbers of modules , complexity and size far exceed what will be possible for the foreseeable future.
Manchester robotics is currently researching into modular robotics and has one project investigating self-reconfigurable modular robotics for unmanned landing site preparation on other planets. Maybe, one day soon we will view the transforming technology in transformers as limited.
For more information:
http://www.transformersmovie.com/
http://intranet.cs.man.ac.uk/robotics/
Watch the Trailer [Total Films]
