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Logic Matter

Skylar Tibbits

Logic Matter: Digital Logic as heuristics for physical self-guided-assembly

In this project I introduce Logic Matter as a system of passive mechanical digital logic modules for self-guided-assembly of large-scale structures. As opposed to current systems in self-reconfigurable robotics, Logic Matter introduces scalability, robustness, redundancy and local heuristics to achieve passive assembly. I propose a mechanical module that implements digital NAND logic as an effective tool for encoding local and global assembly sequences. I then show a physical prototype that successfully demonstrates the described mechanics, encoded information and passive self-guided-assembly. Finally, I show exciting potentials of Logic Matter as a new system of computing with applications in space/volume filling, surface construction, and 3D circuit assembly. 

Advisor: Terry Knight
Professor of Design and Computation, Department of Architecture, MIT

Advisor: Patrick Winston
Ford Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, EECS, MIT 

Reader: Erik Demaine
Associate Professor, EECS, MIT