MIT's snake-like robot can serve multi-purpose simply by changing shapes

MIT Media Lab is introducing new unique gadgets for the human comfort. Recently, it has launched a simply constructed multi-purpose gadget, which provides different daily routine needs in one machine.

 According to Inverse, the LineFORM is a shape-shifting robot that is anticipated to be proved multi-functional for its owners. It currently exists in prototype form. Its appearance resembles a worm or snake, covered in black spandex and embedded with touch sensors. It can transform into multiple shapes within seconds with the help of dozens of small servo motors carved in it.

Hiroshi Ishii, Ken Nakagaki, and Sean Follmer of the MIT Media Lab, published the details that the creation can "physically display expressive 2D and 3D shapes, both for information representation and for dynamic affordances,". it was also added that "direct deformation and touch...provide haptic feedback through variable stiffness joints to enable such interactions as physical snap to grid" and also act as a "constraint for the user's motion or the motion of other objects to guide user actions." 

The snake robot, LineFORM is made up of a linear set of motors that are fixed together. They can either move altogether or independently, transforming into different shapes serving various purposes, as reported by Tech Times. This technology is believed to be an alternative way to use different devices enabling for "new possibilities for display, interaction and body constraint."

In a research paper, the team at MIT Media Lab, which includes Ken Nakagaki, Sean Follmer and Hiroshi Ishii, revealed the development of two versions, a large-scale 3D version and smaller 2D version.

"We envision LineFORM-style devices coupled with flexible displays as next generation mobile devices, which can display complex information, provide affordances on demand for different tasks, and constrain user interaction," the researchers write in the paper. 

In a video released, Media Lab showed all the possible applications of LineFORM, by shape-shifting. The robot can twist around a wrist, to be used to send a notification by giving a little tap, personified as a pet helping you get work done. It can also twist in the shape of an "S", creating a 2D touch pad and expands and folds into a mobile phone after the user tapped to dial.

LineFORM has consists of a light bulb attached to one of its ends, enabling it to transform into a lamp or when paired with a midi controller to connect to a laptop. It has the capability of taking all kind of shapes to be used as a smart ruler to help students with their math homework.

 The robot being flexible, yet rigid can be wrapped around a user's arm, which can then be used for recording motion-capture videos and replaying a movement.

This is not the first 'weird' yet useful discovery as according to CNET, Last year, Drunk Driving Suit was introduced showing wearers what drunk driving feels like. This year, Ford announced the Drugged Driving suit, which imitates symptoms and side effects from various illicit drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. Lastly, Japanese researchers introduced Powered glue, a new kind of adhesive.

LineForm is believed to add convenience to life with easy transformation into various daily life needs.