Swarm robotics could potentially play a vital role in future planetary and deep sea exploration, as well as search and rescue operations. For example, groups of small, inexpensive robots could be used to search for aircraft black boxes following a disaster over water, or as part of search and rescue missions following natural disasters. Teams of robots could cover more ground than one large robot, and should one breakdown, the rest of the group could continue the operation.
York’s research into swarm robotics is led by Professor Jon Timmis who has received a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award for his research into self-healing swarm robotics systems, with funding for five years.
Robots based on a humanoid form factor will eventually join us at home, in the workplace and in public places. Here’s what’s news in humanoid robotics.
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