16-MIT-CyclicFabricationSystemsForModularRobotics

Ceramics suitable for machining, potentially used in place of wax with minor modifications to the basic design of the production cycle.

• Increased Workspace
• Machineable Ceramics
• Electrical Conductors
• Industrial Processes

Topics for future research, designing new robot assemblies with increased workspace for broader applications.

• Increased Workspace
• Electrical Conductors
• Modular Robotics
• Automating Motor Fabrication

Topics for future research, designing new actuators with improved power output for enhanced performance.

• Actuators with Improved Power Output
• Self-Reconfigurable Manufacturing System
• Richard Feynman
• Assembly Tolerance Functions

Formation of kinematic constraints between prefabricated components, such as nuts and bolts, keyways, snap connectors, and magnetic latches.

• Richard Feynman
• Assembly Tolerance Functions
• Self-Reconfigurable Manufacturing System
• Assembly

Forming useful components from raw materials via changes in molecular structure, including processes like casting, welding, soldering, gluing, cutting, and bending.

• Fabrication
• Machineable Ceramics
• Feasibility
• Electrical Conductors

Mechanical components falling at the boundary between fabrication and assembly, with ongoing research in self-assembly.

• Meso-Scale Mechanical Components
• Desktop Rapid Manufacturing
• Electrical Conductors
• Proof-of-Principle Experiments

The practicality and possibility of the cyclic fabrication system, supported by proof-of-principle experiments.

• Feasibility
• Modular Robotics
• Increased Workspace
• Electroforming

Machines capable of producing necessary components for replica devices, designed to selfreplicate.

• Automating Motor Fabrication
• Self-Replicating Machines
• Silicone Elastomer Casting
• Meso-Scale Mechanical Components

A system based on a set of 'universal' electro-mechanical components, intended for selfreplication and general-purpose manufacturing.

• Richard Feynman
• Self-Reconfigurable Manufacturing System
• Actuators with Improved Power Output
• Cyclic Fabrication System

A physicist who suggested using a remotely operated machining system to replicate itself in incrementally smaller iterations.

• Richard Feynman
• Actuators with Improved Power Output
• Assembly Tolerance Functions
• Assembly