Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38684822›Full record

ArticleNature communications2024

Snail-inspired robotic swarms: a hybrid connector drives collective adaptation in unstructured outdoor environments.

Da Zhao, Haobo Luo, Yuxiao Tu, Chongxi Meng, Tin Lun Lam

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Nature communications, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 12 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
12citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

12 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Arthropod-Inspired Miniature Modular Vibration Direct-Drive Robot With Untethered Locomotion.Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Da ZhaoSchool of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0006-7096-3912
Haobo LuoSchool of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
Yuxiao TuSchool of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
Chongxi MengSchool of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
Tin Lun LamSchool of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China. tllam@cuhk.edu.cn.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6363-1446

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China) 62073274
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Terrestrial self-reconfigurable robot swarms offer adaptable solutions for various tasks. However, most existing swarms are limited to controlled indoor settings, and often compromise stability due to their freeform connections. To address these issues, we present a snail robotic swarm system inspired by land snails, tailored for unstructured environments. Our system also employs a two-mode connection mechanism, drawing from the adhesive capabilities of land snails. The free mode, mirroring a snail's natural locomotion, leverages magnet-embedded tracks for freeform mobility, thereby enhancing adaptability and efficiency. The strong mode, analogous to a snail's response to disturbance, employs a vacuum sucker with directional polymer stalks for robust adhesion. By assigning specific functions to each mode, our system achieves a balance between mobility and secure connections. Outdoor experiments demonstrate the capabilities of individual robots and the exceptional synergy within the swarm. This research advances the real-world applications of terrestrial robotic swarms in unstructured environments.

Identifiers

PMID38684822
PMCPMC11058817

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.