Modular structure of a self-reconfigurable robot

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel, hermaphroditic, and lattice self-reconfigurable modular robot. Each module is composed of a center body a cubic part and six sides that can rotate independently. There are two holes and two extensible pegs on each side. The rotary motion of each side and the extensible motion of the pegs are generated by a motor connected to a reducer, using a cone-shaped gear, belt, clutch, etc. The structure of the module is compact, and has space to extend further.