# Technical Problems With "Programmable self-assembly in a thousand-robot swarm"

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1708.03341 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1708.03341/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 10 Aug 2017.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Concentration Network for Reinforcement Learning of Large-Scale Multi-Agent Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.06416/) (2022)
- [Selection for short-term empowerment accelerates the evolution of homeostatic neural cellular automata](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.15220/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Rubenstein et al. present an interesting system of programmable self-assembled structure formation using 1000 Kilobot robots. The paper claims to advance work in artificial swarms similar to capabilities of natural systems besides being highly robust. However, the system lacks in terms of matching motility and complex shapes with holes, thereby limiting practical similarity to self-assembly in living systems.