Claytronics – an Unimaginable Shape Shifting Future Tech

Home , Claytronics, Robotics

Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] Claytronics – An Unimaginable Shape Shifting Future Tech.

Vijay Laxmi Kalyani

Vijay Laxmi Kalyani, Assistant professor, Government Mahila Engineering College, Ajmer [email protected] Abstract: is time to explore the unexplored from the programmable matter ‘catoms’ the basic unit of Claytronics. Catoms are The latest emerging and having unimaginable power, small Nano tech units which can be programmed to do the branch of engineering for the future. This branch of functions, they are sub-millimeter units that can move around engineering is a combination of electronics, computer and communicate to each other and gelled by the science and imagination and creativity to explore the electromagnetic force. The catoms can mutate into any object unimaginable. The idea of Claytronics came from the virtual or real like science fiction movie in real world. This ‘clay’ that can be molded into various shapes, it can be concept predicts multi-million-module robot outfits which colored into various shades and helps in making various are able to change into three-dimensional prospects, eventually with sufficient conformity so as to persuade that articles for playing for kids, also used as in house molding the visions are for real this capacity. The ultimate goal of this and simulation of the character or shape in animation etc. processing to attain the real world objects the physical in the case of Claytronics imagination is the key, it is a realization of the objects. very simple concept of playing with clay and making various shape in pre- school, kids do it very easily they make their own characters and shapes. ‘Claytronics’ is II. THE CONCEPT still in the initial growth phase of its development and people are continuously working and exploring the The concept of Claytronics is by using programmable matter possibilities to get the full potential of this new tech. it ‘catoms’, where programmable matter meets with human works with ‘catoms (Claytronics Atom)’ small intelligent creativity and innovation to do magic. Claytronics atoms piece of electronics component which gelled together to combine together to get the tangible, interactive and virtual take the shape of the desired thing, the shape size color reality to reality matter. Catoms are gelled together by attributes and counting. Catoms are programmable electrostatic force to give the power of changing shapes. matter that uses Nano tech robotics to take shape and Catoms have the capability to change and communicate color. In this paper the author seeks to explore how among themselves and from different shapes in real form. This concept is still in the growth phase but it seems that it programmable matter can give useful opportunities to has great potential for the current and future use. The the world, various future and current applications of this imagination and creativity is the key to use the concept, emerging technology, like 3- d simulation, medical, everything which is present in the world or will be in near education, engineering- robotics and more. future is by the power of imagination of human brain, from the movies of science fiction to the real world the cellphone Keywords: Claytronics, Catoms, shape shifting, Nano and computers and other devices are the live examples of the tech, programmable matter, artificial intelligence, 3-d imagination and creativity. The ultimate goal is to get the real printer. object from the Catoms. This innovative concept anticipates multi-million-module robot outfits which are able to change I. INTRODUCTION into three-dimensional prospects, eventually with sufficient conformity so as to persuade that the visions are for real. The The idea of Claytronics came from the ‘clay’ that can be concept of Claytronics it combines nanotechnology with molded into various shapes, it can be colored into various small programmable robots also called programmable matter shades and helps in making various articles for playing for that have the ability to move and morph themselves into kids, also used as in house molding and simulation of the various shapes controlled by sensor and communication character or shape in animation etc. in the case of Claytronics network. Catoms can even duplicate themselves into the form imagination is the key, it is a very simple concept of playing of people that we would find real looking. This technology with clay and making various shape in pre- school, kids do it would be different from 3-D holographic tech. where the very easily they make their own characters and shapes. From image is there but cannot be tangible and cannot move or kids imagination to the professional creativity the scope is morph it is more like projection of the vast, unimaginable. This technology will bridge the gap object. Nanotechnology is the technology that has the ability between the intangible world of computer generation and the to make very small machines that are so small they cannot physical world we live in through its use as an interactive even be seen traditional microscopes. Nano technology make medium. Seth Goldstein and Todd Mowry introduced this all the components require to function in a smaller size to concept. The project is undertaken by Carnegie Mellon attain greater functionality. It can be said that this was the University and funded by Intel. Cell phone was the hottest basic need to fulfill before moving advance in claytronics tech in world few decades ago, now the new version of cell research. phone smart phones are booming in the market just imagine To manipulate, move or morph a catom need to have some a cell phone/ smart phone can rearrange itself to form a laptop hardware and software component like it should consist of or other electronics component and again to a smart phone. It CPU, a network device for communication, display unit,

21 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] sensors, some kind of force to adhere and power supply. To side is attracted to the positive side of the other catom so organize and communicate and to form a desired shape and that the movement and torque is maintained in a circular form it requires billions of catoms and advance software motion. All components of claytronics are working together programming language and algorithms to perform through in making the impossible possible. programmable matter ‘catoms’. The power of ‘catoms’ has unimaginable utility in telecommunication, human-computer interface, medicine, education, entertainment etc.

III. HOLE MOTION

What happens if one of the catoms fails then the entire ensemble would not reach its desired orientation. In a normal condition catoms arrange themselves in a hierarchical order, Researchers are implementing a method they call hole motion in order to orchestrate large-scale movement. Hole motion can be thought of as someone putting air into a balloon. If the hole is created in the ensemble, the hole or vacuum space will reach to the top of ensemble and the edge will consume the hole and rearrange the ensemble for the desired shape. The movement of the hole can be either up or down in ensemble.

Fig. 3 showing Planar Catom Version 8

Fig. 4 Showing Controller Canvas of catom

Fig. 1 Hole Motion. Edges can (a) Contract by consuming a hole, or (b) expand by creating a hole, purely under local control. V. HARDWARE

Claytronics hardware operates from macro scale designs with devices that are much larger than the tiny modular robots that set the goals of this engineering research. Such devices are designed to test concepts for sub-millimeter scale modules and to elucidate crucial effects of the physical and electrical forces that affect Nano scale robots.

Fig. 2 showing rearranging of catoms according to the pre-defined pattern (according to arrows) IV. THE COMPONENTS OF CLAYTRONICS

The components of Claytronics include majorly hardware and software part to make an object move and morph. The major component of claytronics is catom, a catom is a single unit who is having all the equipment’s necessary to communicate along with sensors for working, the controlling unit for catom has to be there for controlling the movements and there should be no moving part inside as whole catom is moving not the inside parts, they are attached to other catoms through electrostatic force each catoms’s negative charge

22 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] 1. Planar Catoms - test the concept of motion without moving parts and the design of force effectors that create cooperative motion within ensembles of modular robots.

Fig. 6 Showing the Locking Pattern Source: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/hardware/electrostatic- Fig. 5 (i) Showing catom and Planar Catoms controlling ring notes.html

3. Stochastic Catoms integrate random motion with global objectives communicated in simple computer language to form predetermined patterns, using a natural force to actuate a simple device, one that cooperates with other small helium Catoms to fulfill a set of unique instructions.

Fig. 5 (ii) Showing Pairs of Catoms [http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/hardware/planar- stuff/catomelectromagneticmodules.pdf]

2. Electrostatic Latches model a new system of binding and releasing the connection between modular robots, a connection that creates motion and transfers power and data while employing a small factor of a powerful force. The normal Fig. 7 Showing Hellium Ballon electrostatic force that binds in a direction Source: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/hardware/stochastic- perpendicular to the electrodes, the capacitor also notes.html harnesses a shear force in a direction that is parallel to the contact of the faces. Thus, the mechanical 4. Giant Helium Catoms provide a larger-than-life, lighter- reinforcement from the fitting of the two faces of than-air platform to explore the relation of forces when the capacitor captures friction from the electrostatics has a greater effect than gravity on a robotic electrostatic field. This shear force might be device, an effect simulated with a modular robot designed for compared to the way that adhesive tape holds fast self-construction of macro-scale structures. when pulled along its length against a surface to which it adheres.

23 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] and in-depth research program to develop a complete structure of software resources for the creation and operation of the densely distributed network of robotic nodes in a claytronic matrix. A large, moving shape such as a human replica might contain a billion Catoms. A system with a billion computer nodes is something on the scale of the entire Internet. Unlike the real Internet, our real thing is moving.

VI.I. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

Researchers in the Claytronics project have also created Fig. 8 Showing Gaint Hellium Ballon - A Giant Helium Catoms (GHC) MELD and LDP (Locally Distributed Predicates). These new Source: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/hardware/helium.html languages for declarative programming provide compact linguistic structures for cooperative management of the 5. Cubes employ electrostatic latches to demonstrate the motion of millions of modules in a matrix. functionality of a device that could be used in a system of lattice-style self-assembly at both the macro and Nano-scale. VI.I.I MELD A lattice-style modular robot, the 22-cubic-centimeter Cube, which has been developed in the Carnegie Mellon-Intel MELD is a declarative language, a logic programming Claytronics Research Program, provides a base of actuation language originally designed for programming overlay for the electrostatic latch that has also been engineered as part networks. By using logic programming, the code for an of this program. The Cube also models the primary building ensemble of robots can be written from a global perspective, block in a hypothetical system for robotic self-assembly that enabling the programmer to concentrate on the overall could be used for modular construction and employ Cubes performance of the claytronics matrix rather than writing that are larger or smaller in scale than the pictured device. individual instructions for every one of the thousands to millions of catoms in the ensemble. This dramatically simplifies the thought process for programming the movement of a claytronics matrix. MELD is developed for vigorously programming huge composites. It gives the programmers an ensemble-centric perspective, where programs are written for whole rather than individual entities. It is then compiled into discreet programs for the nodes that construct the whole. So the programmer need not have any apprehensions about the intricacies of programming a distributed system and can lay his emphasis on the logic (Michael P. Ashley-Rollman et al, July, 2009), (Daniel Dewey, September, 2008).

VI.I.II LOCALLY DISTRIBUTED PREDICATES (LDP)

Locally Distributed Predicates (LDP) is used for distributed programming and uses pattern-matching methods (Rosa et al, 2008). With LDP, programmers can state the distributed state configurations. This can be done on the basis of the groupings of the state found on connected subgroups of catoms. The runtime of LDP will perfunctorily perceive incidences of these distributed configurations, and activate actions stipulated by the user in rejoinder to the perceived event (Dewey et al, September 2008). LDP is a reactive programming language. It has been used to trigger debugging in the earlier research. With the addition of language that enables the programmer to build operations in the development of the shape of the matrix, it can be used to analyze the distributed local conditions. It can operate on Fig. 9 Showing Electrostatic Latches and Cube with Extended fixed-size, connected groups of modules providing various Worm-Drives functions of state configuration. A program that addresses a Source: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/hardware/cubes.html fixed-size module rather than the entire ensemble allows programmers to operate the claytronic matrix more VI. SOFTWARE frequently and efficiently. LDP further provides a means of matching distributed patterns. It enables the programmer to In a domain of research defined by many of the greatest address a larger set of variables with Boolean logic, which challenges facing computer scientists and roboticists today is enables the program to search for larger patterns of activity perhaps the creation of algorithms and programming and behavior among groups of modules. language to organize the actions of millions of sub-millimeter scale Catoms in a claytronics. As a consequence, the research scientists and engineers have formulated a very broad-based

24 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] VII. LOCALIZATION VI.I.III. INTEGRATED DEBUGGING The team’s software researchers are also creating algorithms In directing the work of the thousands to millions of that enable Catoms to localize their positions among individual computing devices in an ensemble, claytronics thousands to millions of other Catoms in an ensemble. This research also anticipates the inevitability of performance relational knowledge of individual Catoms to the whole errors and system dysfunctions. Such an intense matrix is functional to the organization and management of computational environment requires a comparably dynamic Catoms groups and the formation of cohesive and fluid and self-directed process for identifying and debugging shapes throughout the matrix. errors in the execution of programs. To address the requirements for debugging to match the scale One of the first tasks for a modular robot is to understand of computing in an ensemble, claytronics researchers are where its modules are located relative of one to another. In developing tools and strategies that scale up the bug patrol order to determine their locations, the modules need to rely for massively parallel, widely distributed computation tied to on noisy observations of their immediate neighbors. These the actuation of robotic devices. DPRSim, the basic observations are obtained from sensors onboard the modules, simulation program used to model the performance of such as short-range IR sensors. Unlike many other systems, claytronic ensembles, is also a versatile tool for the integrated a modular robot may not have access to long distance debugging of large ensembles of modular robots, one that measurements, such as wireless radio or GPS. [3] provides programmers with a rich visual context in which to track bugs. [1]

Fig. 10. Showing Integrated Debugging - watch points http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/software/debugging.html Fig. 12. Showing localization Process VII. SHAPE SCULPTING Source:http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~claytronics/software/localization.ht The team’s extensive work on Catoms motion, collective ml actuation and hierarchical motion planning addresses the need for algorithms that convert groups of Catoms into IX.. DYNAMIC SIMULATION primary structures for building dynamic, 3-dimensional representations. Such structures work in a way that can be The simulated world of DPRSim manifests characteristics compared to the muscles, bones and tissues of organic that are crucial to understanding the real-time performance of systems. [2] claytronic ensembles. Most important, the activities of Catoms in the simulator are governed by laws of the physical universe. Thus simulated Catoms reflect the natural effects of gravity, electrical and magnetic forces and other phenomena that will determine the behavior of these devices in reality. DPRSim also provides a visual display that allows researchers to observe the behavior of groups of Catoms.

DPRSim is a tool for use in the Dynamic Physical Rendering project. It is a multi-threaded platform on which Researchers can develop and test new distributed algorithms for large ensembles of Catoms. Catoms are tiny robots with no moving parts that have internal computation and magnetic actuation. In addition to being a programming platform, the DPR simulator provides a Physics Engine (for power, magnetics, gravity, and friction) and a Graphics Engine (for real time visualization and movie generation). DPRSim has been developed from scratch using C/C++ and utilizes the ODE Physics Engine. [4]

Fig. 11. Showing 3-D shape of Assembled Catoms

25 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected]

Fig. 14. Showing shape shifting programmable matter ‘catoms’ in action.

XI ANTICIPATED APPLICATIONS OF

CLAYTRONICS

The Claytronics is newly developed branch of engineering that could change the future, it could be helpful in many ways to mankind. From the creation of wheel to the space technology mankind has done miracle to help masses, the innovation and discovery of panacea drugs and other computer aided technology, this technology could be the missing link in generating the full potential to the current and forthcoming technology, by using Nano technology the areas of application are immense whether it is science, technology or medical similarly the future applications of Claytronics is beyond the imagination with the combination of Nano tech, computer science, electronics and communication, internet and artificial intelligence and forthcoming new technology every sector would be beneficiary whether science and technology, medical, pharmacy, tourism, education, business sector and so on. Let’s hope for the best, like every technology or thing has its pros and cons.

Fig. 13. Showing DPRSim [Dynamic Physical Rendering List of some of the anticipated applications of Claytronics: Simulator] 1. This technology would enable engineers to work X. APPLICATIONS – THE SCOPE OF EFFICACY remotely in physically hostile environments. 2. Surgeons to perform intricate surgery on enlarged The scope and utility of claytronics is not yet fully explored claytronic replicas of organs, whilst the actual organs as it is in the growth phase and many miracles are yet to are being worked upon by a claytronic replica of the come. Many applications of this technology is well defined surgeon. as due to its capability of shape shifting and morphing in real 3. A 3-D Fax machine is a new approach to 3-D faxing. A 3 –D, a 3-D fax machine is a new line of thinking in large number of sub millimeter robot modules form telecommunication. Many new things can be imagined which intelligent clay which can be reshaped via the external were not possible in past or can only be seen in science fiction application of mechanical forces. The clay can act as a movies like shape shifting killer robot, liquefy and again novel input device, using inter module localization regenerated robot from future and a car who thinks, speaks, techniques to acquire the shape of a 3D object by communicates, changes color and shape and many more just casting. The process of remotely reproducing a imagine and create. Still many things are beyond imagination facsimile of an object requires three phases: but mankind will achieve a greater success in near future. Acquisition, Transmission and Reproduction. In the first phase, the system senses the object and creates a digital representation of the visible, external structure. The shape information is then transmitted to the remote site. Finally, using the transmitted data, a facsimile of the object is reconstructed at the remote site. Building a moving, sensing, color changing replica of each person out of nanotech robots makes every meeting a face-to- face meeting. This is the 3D Video conferencing. We feel that the person, continents away, as sitting right beside you.

26 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] 4. 3D TVs and movies may also be possible using this response. In the business world, meetings are pivotal claytronics. to the success of companies, otherwise, confusion sets 5. It might be useful for producing 3D shapes in the in and people get lost in the chaos. Sometimes, a video computer-aided design process. conference or a phone call is enough to keep everyone 6. Claytronics cell phone might grow a full-size keyboard, on board, but other times, face to face meetings are or expand its video display as needed. required to look over some new model or examine in 7. Think of communication through Skype; but instead of fine detail a new product. With Claytronics, those face viewing each other on a screen, you can touch, kiss, or to face meetings are no longer necessary due to the hug, as if you are physically together. ability for a set of catoms to assemble itself into that 8. Imagine the wearable Claytronics, Sensing danger, model or product even though the person receiving the these 'smart clothes' could form an impenetrable shield product is several hundred miles away. Imagine sitting to stop bullets and knives from piercing our skin; or in a boardroom at Bach instruments, and your business become cushion-like to protect us from auto accidents. partners in Hong Kong want you to experience the new Programmable clothing would become stronger than acoustic feel for the latest trumpet design. steel, while still maintaining its light weight. Unfortunately, they can’t ship it to you for weeks. This 9. On command, walls in our homes could light up with a is where Claytronics comes into play, making the need radiant glow; TVs would look less like moving pictures to physically ship a trumpet across the world disappear. and more like 3-D windows; and as wild as this may They send a signal, and suddenly the cube of catoms on sound, we could actually move doors and windows to the desk begin to take shape, and suddenly a functioning different walls. There is almost no end to the magic that replica has formed on the desk where the cube once was. this technology could create. 10. Claytronics would reduce the number of furniture pieces required in a home. A dinner table might be changed to a poker table for a party, then into a bed at night. In addition, a single room could be used as living-room, dining area and bedroom, simply by morphing furniture Fig. 15. A DPRSim of over 160,000 catoms, turning into a trumpet. at different times. 11. Medicine: A replica of your physician could appear in 18. Education would also see a huge benefit to your living room and perform an exam. The virtual incorporating Claytronics into the curriculum, replacing doctor would precisely mimic the shape, appearance and all textbooks with a cube of catoms. As informative as a movements of your “real” doctor, who is performing the paragraph on the valves of the heart is, an exact replica actual work from a remote office. of the human heart that can be taken apart, studied, and 12. Disaster relief: Human replicas could serve as stand-ins reconstructed would provide infinitely more experience for medical personnel, firefighters, or disaster relief to a medical student. workers. Objects made of programmable matter could 19. Sometimes, patients who are already at the hospital be used to perform hazardous work and could morph require a transfer in order to receive care from a better into different shapes to serve multiple purposes. A fire surgeon, or a specialist is brought into the hospital in hose could become a shovel, a ladder could be dire circumstances, and while waiting for all of the transformed into a stretcher. pieces to fall in place, the patient’s health is 13. Sports instruction: A renowned tennis teacher, golf deteriorating. In a world where Claytronics are the instructor, or soccer coach could “appear” at clinics in common reality, a doctor in Wisconsin can be multiple locations. performing heart surgery on a model of a heart of a 14. Entertainment: A football game, ice skating competition patient in New Hampshire, while Claytronics mimic his or other sporting event could be replicated in miniature moves, interpreting the catoms movement on the on your coffee table. A movie could be recreated in your doctor’s side, and transferring that movement into living room, and you could insert yourself into the role action on the patient’s side. of one of the actors. 15. 3-D physical modeling: Physical replicas could replace XII. LIMITATIONS AND DISADVANTAGES – 3-D computer models, which can only be viewed in two CATOMS dimensions and must be accessed through a keyboard and mouse. Using claytronics, you could reshape or Every technology has its limitations when it is under resize a model car or home with your hands, as if you progress, Claytronics is new and developing branch of were working with modeling clay. As you manipulated engineering with potential and expectations for the future. the model directly, aided by embedded software that’s Some of the advantages and applications along with similar to the drawing tools found in office software limitations and disadvantages will led the progress of this programs, the appropriate computations would be technology. As many application which has been anticipated carried out automatically. You would not have to work for the future use, they will be used in many potential sectors at a computer at all; you would simply work with the and being used in masses. The commercial production of any model. technology or component like LED T.V. if it is commercially 16. Using claytronics, multiple people at different locations viable many technologies which are good but not marketable could work on the same model. As a person at one they are not in the market. Mass production of the material location manipulated the model, it would be modified at will lower down the manufacturing cost and make available every location. [5] to the market/ masses. 17. Communication is a very broad term, and to narrow it down, there are a few types of communication in which

Claytronics would flourish, from the mundane to the fantastic, such as business, education, and emergency

27 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] ETHICAL ISSUES -- Before ethical issues can really be evaluated we must first discover what the potential of Claytronics really is. However based on the current progress IVX. THE FUTURE POSSIBILITIES of research and the proposed future applications we have come up with potential ethical issues regarding Claytronics. The future with Claytronics is full of possibilities and the The first major issue we foresaw was safety. Unlike things beyond imagination, the power of claytronics can be holographic representations of physical objects, Claytronic imagined from the list of anticipated applications, every area models will have mass and be able to interact with their of technical or business world from education to tourism, environment. medical it is full of possibilities. Before the invention of Nano tech, the future application of Nano tech were calculated like Another major ethical issue regarding Claytronics is the same same, but this technology has gone one step ahead, the car issue that arose with automated manufacturing. Claytronics world , every year a new model car is introduced by the could slow the growth of the job market in skilled trades, as company and a better of comparable version is launched by other company, what happens if one car can morph in look- ‘catoms’ will do most of the work in no time with accuracy alike the car you want with the color and body finishing and precision, if all the things goes well as predicted. changing technology on command and smart sensors to predict and save from accidents and damages, if accident The value of technology is determined in society is happens it can send the real time picture to the nearest police determined through pros and cons, cost and benefit analysis station or call medical help. Just imagine that car having other major decisions like make or buy the components or Nano bots that can replicate and repair the damage technology transfer; when the cost to manufacture becomes immediately. more than the benefit of being convenient, no one is going to Nano programmable bots can learn by experience by using manufacture goods to his or her own loss. AI [Artificial Intelligence] and communicate and work independently in near future, they could be useful in space XIII. DISADVANTAGES and other programs where human life is a danger or the experiments have greater cost. 1. With so many Catoms, the system will have to compensate The communications are in today’s world is through satellite for the inevitable failure of individual Catoms. Computers and mobile communication, the sensor used in catoms is IR – sensor and communication device to receive and transmit don’t deal well with failure. signals to the adjoining catoms. We are having radio waves 2. Algorithm and programming the combined motion of all around us which transmit signal of voice and data to other Catoms to form a 3D shape is a very ridiculous task. device by using a similar kind of structure using a network of mobile tower and low level satellite in earth’s orbit, if we 3. Even the nodes of the Internet have some addresses and extend our imagination power for using this communication accessing them is hard. Accessing each Catoms without any channel to give order to the programmable device to change address is a very difficult task. the shape or do something else as desired it will be as easy as making a phone call to the catoms. 4. At present, only four individual Catoms are made to The gaming industry which is a million dollar business communicate with each other. But, the thought of making market in the gaming sector is continuously improving in billions of Catoms to communicate may take a few decades. gaming tech. from ‘Mario’ to ‘NFS2’ to gaming consoles like x-box etc. the calytronics games in which you can play like a 5. Even though the mentioned applications are possible, the real hero or player in the game the game is made up of catoms cost involving the manufacturing of these Catoms may not be and real gaming experience could be waiting for us in near affordable. future. The sensors could be replaced by wireless sensor networks 6. Unpredictable is the future though, changes in the and transmit the signals to the other network which is technology trends prepares everybody for tomorrow. connected to the internet and the information is transmitted Biotechnology, Genetics, Space Science, Nanotechnology, over the internet and the catoms present on the other side of the world can receive the information and act accordingly. Material Science, Robotics and many more fields of The Programming of catoms can be stored on the cloud for technology managed to make their way out from science better coding as it can be explored by the whole world. Some fiction in last 4 to 5 decades. Claytronics is an exception as it of the basic programs from performing utility action like never existed in science fiction as a science or technology Turing into big LED T.V. screen or multifunctional smart until recent years, and yet here we are discussing the phone or 3-D fax machine or 3- D personal assistance of your possibilities if programming matter. choice can be stored on the cloud these program instructions can be accessible to the masses and other customized 7. The speculation on the uses of Claytronics is just that, program instruction can be tailor made according to the usage speculation; the science just is not there yet, and the research of corporate world or industry. is years or even decades away from achieving a working prototype.

8. According to Moore’s Law, the transistors count in an Integrated Circuit almost doubles every year. This shows the rapid development in the electronics in the recent decades. If this continues the concept of Claytronics will not be hard to achieve.

28 Journal of Management Engineering and Information Technology (JMEIT) 2394 - 8124 Volume -2, Issue- 4, Aug. 2015, ISSN: Website: www.jmeit.com | E-mail: [email protected]|[email protected] XV. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS Author’s Details To conclude it can be said that, it is a new beginning of era which is full of possibilities and imagination is the key to Vijay Laxmi Kalyani is currently an Assistant Professor in explore. The concept came from ‘clay’ molding, which can the department of ECE in GWEC, Ajmer. She has attended be shaped in any form and size. The basic programmable unit various workshops, conferences, FDP, STC etc. and also called as ‘catoms’ is the derived from Nano tech and it can published many research papers in various conference interact with other catoms and can send signals to proceedings, International and national Journals. She is a communicate there is no moving part inside whole catoms member of IAENG. moves altogether. Clatronics has the immense power to change and build the future it could be smartest future tech. start thinking beyond imagination, the future possibilities and applications, the few anticipated applications which is more like assistance and utility services, think beyond that using artificial intelligence and learn by experience the programmable units can do wonders. As the suggestions, everything has two sides, like a coin. So the above mention future technology also has it pros and cons, like the ethical and privacy issues, the cyber laws and crimes can be difficult to control, self-learning technology can be dangerous if it goes on the other side of mankind. The author suggest that, make this technology available to world like open source and let the world explore its full potential and all the pros and cons if the technology seems better with less or manageable and controllable cons then it should be more helpful technology than ever created.

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Pillai, October 2007. [11.] Collective Actuation, International Journal of Robotics Research, Jason D. Campbell and Padmanabhan Pillai, 2007. [12.] "Integrated Debugging of Large Modular Robot Ensembles," Benjamin D. Rister, Jason Campbell, Padmanabhan Pillai and Todd C. Mowry. [13.] A Language for Large Ensembles of Independently Executing Nodes- Michael P. Ashley-Rollman, Peter Lee, Seth Copen Goldstein, Padmanabhan Pillai, and Jason D. Campbell. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Logic Programming (ICLP '09), July, 2009. [14.] "A Modular Robotic System Using Magnetic Force Effectors," In Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS '07), Kirby, Aksak, Campbell, Hoburg, Mowry, Pillai, Goldstein, October 2007. [15.] "Hierarchical Motion Planning for Self-reconfigurable Modular Robots," In IEEE/RSJ International Confernce on Intelligent Robots and Systems(IROS), Preethi Srinivas Bhat, James Kuffner, Seth Copen Goldstein, and Siddhartha S. Srinivasa, October 2006. [16.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claytronics