GRASPion: an Open-Source, Programmable Brainbot for Active Matter Research

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Novkoski, F., Mélard, M., Delens, M., Wéry, F., Noirhomme, M., Pande, J., Maier, A., Smith, A. -S., Vandewalle, N.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Novkoski, F.
Mélard, M.
Delens, M.
Wéry, F.
Noirhomme, M.
Pande, J.
Maier, A.
Smith, A. -S.
Vandewalle, N.
author_facet Novkoski, F.
Mélard, M.
Delens, M.
Wéry, F.
Noirhomme, M.
Pande, J.
Maier, A.
Smith, A. -S.
Vandewalle, N.
contents We present the GRASPion, a compact, open-source bristlebot designed for the controlled study of active matter systems. Built around a low-cost Arduino-compatible board and modular 3D-printed components, the GRASPion combines ease of use, programmability, and mechanical versatility. It features dual vibrating motors for self-propulsion, integrated sensors for local interaction, and customizable firmware enabling various motion modes, from ballistic to diffusive regimes. The robot is equipped with onboard IR communication, color and proximity sensors, and a magnetometer, allowing for real-time interaction and complex collective behaviors. With a runtime exceeding 90 minutes and reproducible fabrication, the GRASPion provides a robust and scalable platform for both educational and research applications in out-of-equilibrium physics. This article details the mechanical and electronic design and software architecture of the GRASPion, and illustrates its capabilities through prototypical experiments relevant to active matter.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2509_07437
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle GRASPion: an Open-Source, Programmable Brainbot for Active Matter Research
Novkoski, F.
Mélard, M.
Delens, M.
Wéry, F.
Noirhomme, M.
Pande, J.
Maier, A.
Smith, A. -S.
Vandewalle, N.
Soft Condensed Matter
Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems
We present the GRASPion, a compact, open-source bristlebot designed for the controlled study of active matter systems. Built around a low-cost Arduino-compatible board and modular 3D-printed components, the GRASPion combines ease of use, programmability, and mechanical versatility. It features dual vibrating motors for self-propulsion, integrated sensors for local interaction, and customizable firmware enabling various motion modes, from ballistic to diffusive regimes. The robot is equipped with onboard IR communication, color and proximity sensors, and a magnetometer, allowing for real-time interaction and complex collective behaviors. With a runtime exceeding 90 minutes and reproducible fabrication, the GRASPion provides a robust and scalable platform for both educational and research applications in out-of-equilibrium physics. This article details the mechanical and electronic design and software architecture of the GRASPion, and illustrates its capabilities through prototypical experiments relevant to active matter.
title GRASPion: an Open-Source, Programmable Brainbot for Active Matter Research
topic Soft Condensed Matter
Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.07437