Programmable matter

Here I will describe a two of the areas into which we are performing research related to programmable matter. The goal of the first direction (Section 2.1) was to develop a better experimental understanding of the fluid-dynamical and fluid-stmctural processes involved in 3D cube assembly processes. In the second direction our goal is the development of two forms of thermorheologically enabled programmable matter systems (Section 2.2). 

Figure 5. Erickson lab programmable matter apparatus for studying the dynamics of the assembly process. (Upper) Image shows overview of assembly chamber and associated infrastructure. Note the two circulation pumps at the bottom of the assembly chamber. The two pumps dramatically facilitate the generation of random motions within the tank. (Lower) Image shows electrical infrastructure associated with driving the solonoid valve. As will be demonstrated below the incorperation of an solonoid valve operating at 3 Hz during the attraction process enables us to obtain proper docking.

Directed Assembly of Programmable Matter Surfaces with Hydro dynamically Switchable Affinities... 

Kalontarov M, Krishnan M, Erickson D (2009) Eluid dynamically driven assembly in three dimensions for programmable matter. In volume 9 heat transfer, fluid flows, and thermal systems, parts A, B and C, vol 2009, no 43826. pp 1491-1495... 

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