# ShapeBots: Shape-changing Swarm Robots

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1909.03372 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1909.03372/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 8 Sep 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Augmented Reality and Robotics: A Survey and Taxonomy for AR-enhanced Human-Robot Interaction and Robotic Interfaces](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.03254/) (2022)
- [Telextiles: End-to-end Remote Transmission of Fabric Tactile Sensation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2405.03363/) (2024)
- [AI-Gadget Kit: Integrating Swarm User Interfaces with LLM-driven Agents for Rich Tabletop Game Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.17086/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We introduce shape-changing swarm robots. A swarm of self-transformable robots can both individually and collectively change their configuration to display information, actuate objects, act as tangible controllers, visualize data, and provide physical affordances. ShapeBots is a concept prototype of shape-changing swarm robots. Each robot can change its shape by leveraging small linear actuators that are thin (2.5 cm) and highly extendable (up to 20cm) in both horizontal and vertical directions. The modular design of each actuator enables various shapes and geometries of self-transformation. We illustrate potential application scenarios and discuss how this type of interface opens up possibilities for the future of ubiquitous and distributed shape-changing interfaces.