Story perspectives

Northwestern's AI Robots Adapt and Navigate Challenging Terrains

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Northwestern University developed legged metamachines, AI-powered robots that can autonomously navigate varied terrains, even when damaged.
The modular robots resemble Lego blocks.
They can adapt their shape and movement.
Their AI uses evolutionary algorithms to identify effective body configurations for traversing challenging environments.
In tests, the robots crossed diverse terrains without human intervention, adapting to damage by continuing to move.

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Story summary

Researchers at Northwestern University developed legged metamachines, AI-powered robots that can autonomously navigate varied terrains, even when damaged.
The modular robots resemble Lego blocks.
They can adapt their shape and movement.
Their AI uses evolutionary algorithms to identify effective body configurations for traversing challenging environments.
In tests, the robots crossed diverse terrains without human intervention, adapting to damage by continuing to move.