New Scientist TV - Ant-like robots create complex glowing patterns

 

 These glow-in-the-dark robots can hardly be described as intelligent. Called 'Lumibots', they move around by observing two basic rules: 'follow the light' and 'turn after a collision'. Yet, despite this simple behaviour, they manage to follow complex paths that are recorded artistically as their tail lights pass over photoluminescent paper.

The installation was devised by artist Mey Lean Kronemann as a way to demonstrate the concept of emergence: the way complicated systems can arise from simple interactions. Her work is inspired by pheromone paths that ants use to navigate. Army ants, for example, rely on two chemicals to follow a route taken by their colony mates.

A Lumibot's course isn't predictable, but it sometimes displays recognisable characteristics. For example, a robot will sometimes retrace its own trail in a visual feedback loop. Like an ant, it may also venture off to explore new areas or use shortcuts to hone in on a refined route.

According to Kronemann, the robots' inherent variability challenged her work as an artist. "The difficult thing about building in unexpected behaviour was letting go of control," she says.

The work has been well received by viewers who enjoy trying to guide the robots with a flashlight or attempting to right their course as they veer off the paper. Kronemann hopes to develop a kit that people can buy to create their own swarm experience. 

The installation will be on display at the Art of Engineering show in Gummersbach, Germany from February 7.

If you enjoyed this video, check out a robotic rover that uses its tail to land like a lizard or a body-sharing robot lets you experience another place.

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