Object sorting using a distributed manipulator array

A cellular array algorithm is presented which allows the manipulation of objects across a distributed manipulator array. Objects are placed on the manipulator array surface and the algorithm differentiates between two different types of objects depending on their physical properties. The different objects are then controlled by the algorithm and the manipulator array so that the objects end up grouped together in different regions of the manipulator array. The algorithm has been verified using a physics-based 3D simulation engine.