This Furniture Rearranges Itself!

I read an article recently about moveable furniture and thought about how it can be useful to individuals who have special needs or who are aging in place.  But, you may say, all furniture is moveable. But this furniture takes it to a whole new level–this is robotic furniture!  Roombots, as this furniture is called, was the subject of an article in Kurzweil AI on May 24, 2014.  ‘Roombots’ transform into movable furniture and objects explains how this furniture works

Each 22 cm-long module, which looks like two large dice joined together, has a wireless connection, battery, and three motors that allow the module to pivot with three degrees of freedom. … The modules have retractable “claws” that they use to attach to other pieces to form larger structures. With a series of rotations and connections, the modules can change shape and become any of a variety of objects.  A special surface with holes adapted to the Roombots’ mechanical claws allow for anchoring the modules to a wall or floor.

Rather than visualizing this in your mind, go to the article and watch the accompanying video. Very cool!!