Abstract
In this paper, we propose an autonomous distributed control method for modular robots that operates based on only local communications. The robot's task is self-reconfiguration to mimic the shape of the nearby object detected by proximitysensors (mounted on the modules). Each module decides in only local communications the need for action and the direction of movement, and create meaningful operations for the system. We designed a two-dimensional lattice type modules of three-layer structure. Deformation mechanism uses a slide mechanism. The communication among neighboring modules uses the optical communication of the phototransistor and LED. The availability of the rule is demonstrated by simulations.
