360botG2 — An improved unit of mobile self-assembling modular robotic system aiming at exploration in real world

An improved unit module of a novel mobile self-assembling modular robotic system is presented in this paper. Two continuous rotational DoFs are used in each module to implement both valuable self-locomotion and flexible reconfiguration. To achieve efficient exploration, unit module can implement two-dimensional locomotion independently and freely in a range of surface conditions in real world, even in environments with certain terrain challenges. With the help of three active connection mechanisms (ACMs), the module has great potential in assembling and reconfiguration to form complex three-dimensional structures. Preliminary locomotion tests in different environments demonstrate its effective mobility and potential applications for exploration. Several useful and easy realized configurations are explained with simulations at last.