Optimal self assembly of modular manipulators with active and passive modules

In this paper, we develop self-assembling robot systems composed of active modular robots and passive bars. The target structure is modeled as a dynamic graph. We present two provably correct algorithms for creating the structure. A decentralized optimal algorithm for the navigation of multiple modular robots on a partial truss structure is used to guide the robots to their location on the target structure. A decentralized algorithm for scheduling the transportation and placement of truss elements is used to coordinate the creation of the target structure. Both algorithms rely on locally optimal matching. The truss self-assembly algorithm has quadratic competitive ratio for static as well as dynamic graph representation. We show simulation results and results for experiments with two 3DOF robots and passive bars that can create and control a 6DOF manipulation.