Harvard University researchers show how simple, brainless “bristle-bots” (like those you can make yourself or purchase for $6 as a “Hexbug Nano”) exhibit swarming behavior when contained in a small area. According to the scientists, when this kind of behavior is seen in the natural world, among termites for example, it’s “linked with insect cognition and social interactions. Our study shows how the behavioral repertoire of these physically interacting automatons controlled by one parameter translates into the mechanical intelligence of swarms.”
via Boing Boing

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