Robotile

Robotile refers to a type of modular robotic system designed for tiling tasks. These robots are often small, independently operating units that can be deployed in a swarm to cover large areas or perform complex paving patterns. The core concept is to break down a large tiling job into smaller, manageable tasks that individual robots can execute.

Robotile systems typically involve a central control unit that manages the swarm and individual robots equipped with navigation, object recognition, and manipulation capabilities. They can use computer vision to identify placement areas, measure dimensions, and detect any obstacles. For the actual tiling process, robots might be equipped with suction cups or manipulators to pick up, orient, and place tiles precisely.

The development of robotiles is driven by the desire to automate construction and renovation processes, improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and enhancing accuracy. Potential applications include flooring, wall tiling, and even façade installations. Challenges in this field include ensuring robust communication between robots, managing complex environmental conditions on construction sites, and developing algorithms for efficient task allocation and collision avoidance within the swarm. Research in this area explores various locomotion methods, power sources, and learning algorithms to make these systems more adaptable and performant.