Programmable Matter with Modular Robots

This document discusses programmable matter using modular robots. Modular robots are more versatile than fixed architecture robots as they can change locomotion and manipulation gaits, self-assemble, and self-repair. The document outlines different types of modular robots including self-reconfiguring robots made of multiple connected modules that can autonomously change structure. It provides examples of programming matter through distributed control rules for self-reconfiguration and disassembly. Future directions discussed include using microrobots and combining robots with passive blocks for fully programmable matter.