Active Matter as a framework for living systems-inspired Robophysics

TL;DR

This paper explores how principles from active-matter physics and biology can inform the design and modeling of robot swarms, addressing challenges in locomotion, coordination, and efficiency in complex environments.

Contribution

It introduces a framework applying active-matter concepts to improve the understanding and development of bio-inspired robotic collectives.

Findings

Active-matter physics offers new insights into robot swarm behavior.

Incorporating biological principles enhances robot coordination and efficiency.

Recent research demonstrates improved swarm performance using this framework.

Abstract

Robophysics investigates the physical principles that govern living-like robots operating in complex, realworld environments. Despite remarkable technological advances, robots continue to face fundamental efficiency limitations. At the level of individual units, locomotion remains a challenge, while at the collective level, robot swarms struggle to achieve shared purpose, coordination, communication, and cost efficiency. This perspective article examines the key challenges faced by bio-inspired robotic collectives and highlights recent research efforts that incorporate principles from active-matter physics and biology into the modeling and design of robot swarms.