@conference {Tu2022,
	title = {FreeSN: A Freeform Strut-node Structured Modular Self-reconfigurable Robot - Design and Implementation},
	booktitle = {2022 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)},
	year = {2022},
	pages = {4239{\textendash}4245},
	publisher = {IEEE},
	organization = {IEEE},
	address = {Philadelphia, PA, USA},
	abstract = {This paper proposes a novel freeform strut-node structured modular self-reconfigurable robot (MSRR) called FreeSN, consisting of strut and node modules. A node module is mainly a low-carbon steel spherical shell. A strut module contains two freeform connectors, which provide strong magnetic connections and flexible spherical motions. The FreeSN system shares the benefits of freeform connection and strut-node structures. The freeform connection brings good adaptability to the environment. The triangle substructures inside the system configuration significantly improve the structural stability. The parallel execution of module motions can superpose the module capabilities and makes the system more scalable. The modules can combine these robot features by selecting the system configuration and better fit different circumstances and tasks. Four demonstrations, including assembly, obstacle crossing, transportation, and object manipulation, are designed to show the capabilities of the FreeSN system in different aspects. The results show the great performance and versatility of this MSRR system.},
	keywords = {Automation, Connectors, Robots, Steel, Structural engineering, Task analysis, Transportation},
	isbn = {978-1-7281-9682-4},
	doi = {10.1109/ICRA46639.2022.9811583},
	author = {Yuxiao Tu and Guanqi Liang and Tin Lun Lam}
}
@conference {Zhao2022,
	title = {SnailBot: A Continuously Dockable Modular Self-reconfigurable Robot Using Rocker-bogie Suspension},
	booktitle = {2022 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)},
	year = {2022},
	pages = {4261{\textendash}4267},
	publisher = {IEEE},
	organization = {IEEE},
	address = {Philadelphia, PA, USA},
	abstract = {This paper proposes a novel modular self-assembling, self-reconfiguring robot with the 3D continuous dock called {\textquotedblleft}SnailBot{\textquotedblright}. SnailBot mainly consists of a spherical ferromagnetic shell and a six-wheel rocker chassis with embedded magnets. Unlike many other existing modular self-reconfigurable robots with fixed docking locations, SnailBot uses the 3D continuous dock to attach to its peers regardless of alignment. This freeform docking mechanism can greatly improve the efficiency of self-reconfiguration and reduce docking failures because there is nearly no constraint in the location of the connector. Compared with the existing freeform MSRR, SnailBot can form a more structurally stable connection to its peers without loss of connection efficiency. Owing to the excellent obstacle crossing ability of the rocker-bogie suspension, the robot can freely crawl on other modules in the form of a sliding sphere. Experiments demonstrate the basic actions of a single module and some applications of SnailBots, such as a manipulator.},
	keywords = {Automation, Connectors, Manipulators, Three-dimensional displays},
	isbn = {978-1-7281-9682-4},
	doi = {10.1109/ICRA46639.2022.9811779},
	author = {Da Zhao and Tin Lun Lam}
}
@conference {Liang2020,
	title = {FreeBOT: A Freeform Modular Self-reconfigurable Robot with Arbitrary Connection Point - Design and Implementation},
	booktitle = {2020 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)},
	year = {2020},
	pages = {6506{\textendash}6513},
	publisher = {IEEE},
	organization = {IEEE},
	address = {Las Vegas, NV, USA},
	abstract = {This paper proposes a novel modular selfreconfigurable robot (MSRR) "FreeBOT", which can be connected freely at any point on other robots. FreeBOT is mainly composed of two parts: a spherical ferromagnetic shell and an internal magnet. The connection between the modules is genderless and instant, since the internal magnet can freely attract other FreeBOT spherical ferromagnetic shells, and not need to be precisely aligned with the specified connector. This connection method has fewer physical constraints, so the FreeBOT system can be extended to more configurations to meet more functional requirements. FreeBOT can accomplish multiple tasks although it only has two motors: module independent movement, connector management and system reconfiguration. FreeBOT can move independently on the plane, and even climb on ferromagnetic walls; a group of FreeBOTs can traverse complex terrain. Numerous experiments have been conducted to test its function, which shows that the FreeBOT system has great potential to realize a freeform robotic system.},
	keywords = {Connectors, Intelligent robots, Task analysis},
	isbn = {978-1-7281-6213-3},
	issn = {2153-0858},
	doi = {10.1109/IROS45743.2020.9341129},
	author = {Guanqi Liang and Haobo Luo and Ming Li and Huihuan Qian and Tin Lun Lam}
}
