Skip to main content

Algorithm lets swarms of robots work together to create shapes without colliding

Shape Formation in Homogeneous Swarms Using Local Task Swapping

The idea of swarms of comparatively low-cost robots that are able to work together to pull off feats that single large robots are unable to do is pretty exciting. But getting large numbers of robots to carry out coordinated activities without bumping into one another is hard work. The challenge of achieving this is one reason why swarm robotics remains a work in progress, rather than something that is routinely seen in the real world.

Recommended Videos

Researchers at Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, recently achieved an impressive demonstration, however. They have developed and tested an algorithm for a decentralized swarm of robots which lets them reliably, safely, and efficiently converge to form a predetermined shape in under a minute. The researchers have shown that their algorithm works both on a simulation of 1,024 robots and on a swarm of 100 real robots in a laboratory. Impressively, the robots are able to perform their shape-throwing without getting in one another’s way. That’s easier said than done.

“The robots are given a set of goal points that represent the shape to be formed and they have to figure out as a group which robot goes to which goal, and how do they get there with no collisions,” Mike Rubenstein, assistant professor of computer science and mechanical engineering, told Digital Trends. “The main idea of the controller is that, whenever a robot senses another robot, they check to see if swapping goal locations will reduce the total distance traveled by the pair. If so, they swap goals. A side effect of this behavior is that they will automatically avoid collisions.”

Mike Rubinstein/Northwestern University

Robots rearranging themselves into giant shapes, such as letters, sounds like it might have limited usefulness. (Automated cheerleaders at future robot sports games?) However, Rubinstein said that this system could actually be applied in a broad range of possible applications. Scenarios in which robots adhering to a specific formation is important could be useful for everything from teaming up to carry objects to, potentially, forming together like the Power Rangers’ Megazord to establish larger modular self-configurable robots.

“The hope is that by avoiding a centralized system, the swarm behavior can more easily scale to large numbers, and is more robust to individual failures,” he said.

This approach isn’t perfect in every scenario, though. “A centralized approach can usually provide more efficient motion, and is easier to guarantee good behaviour when all the robots are working as desired,” Rubenstein explained. “A more centralized approach would be better in cases of small swarms.”

A paper describing the work was recently published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Robotics.

Luke Dormehl
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Sebastian Stan lays out Bucky’s future after Thunderbolts
Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts.

There are some spoilers ahead for the ending of Marvel's Thunderbolts. Stop reading now if you don't want to be spoiled.

Earlier this year, Captain America: Brave New World briefly introduced a new direction for James "Bucky" Barnes, a character Sebastian Stan has been playing since 2011 in Captain America: The First Avenger. In Brave New World, the former Winter Soldier apparently retired from being a reformed hero and went into politics by running for Congress. Thunderbolts reveals that Bucky won his election to the House of Representatives. But his stay in Congress was short.

Read more
Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?
jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii  4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

Read more
Charlie Cox singles out his least favorite Daredevil: Born Again episode
Charlie Cox in Daredevil: Born Again.

Daredevil: Born Again season 1 was largely reconceived after the 2023 actor and writer strikes. Dario Scardapane -- a veteran of The Punisher series on Netflix -- was brought in to be the new showrunner and he made a lot of changes to the series that were well-received. However, there's one episode that Scardapane didn't really change at all, and it happens to be the least favorite episode of Daredevil: Born Again's leading man, Charlie Cox.

During an appearance on The Playlist, Cox noted that he wasn't very fond of the season's fifth episode, "With Interest," which was a largely standalone episode that featured his character, Matt Murdock, in a bank during a hostage crisis.

Read more