Mar 7 2011
The Navy hopes to design swarms of semi-autonomous bots, which are capable of conducting effective interactions and working in teams.
In addition, the robots must have the capability to be actively involved in the fast manufacturing of other robots using three-dimensional printing technology. The robots must be capable of manufacturing parts using rapid prototyping machines.
According to the proposal, each micro-robot will be designed to carry out a specific task and do it repeatedly. The collective effort of all the robots will be useful in manufacturing. The micro-robots must be designed to perform tasks concurrently. Material synthesis and component assembly are some the specific tasks to be performed by the micro-robot swarm. Other simple tasks that the micro-robots must perform include selecting and placing, dispensing liquids, printing inks, removing material, and soldering. The micro-robots must be designed to synchronize movements to carry out highly efficient material synthesis and assembly line tasks.
The Navy wants to create the robotic swarm of semi-autonomous bots for manufacturing mission-specific hardware on demand. This capability allows crippled vessels to repair or replace critical parts or their constituents. With the implementation of this project, the Navy does not have to rely on lengthy maritime supply chains.
Source: http://www.defense.gov/