Pixelbots, A Swarm of Robots That Can Create Mobile Displays

Pixelbots is a collaborative project between Disney Research Zurich and the Autonomous Systems Lab, ETH Zurich that features a swarm of small, two-wheeled robots that can changes colors in order to create shifting displays or animations. The technical aspects behind Pixelbots are discussed in a second video from Disney Research.

Pixelbots are two-wheeled robots. They can make robotic images on tabletops or on whiteboards (using magnetic wheels). It’s possible to sketch on an iPad and see the Pixelbots move into position to create the drawing, or to direct them by pointing motions. Altogether, it’s a whole new way of looking at cartoon images and animations.

via The Awesomer