Swarm robotics

A field of robotics involving the coordination of multiple simple robots that work together as a group, inspired by collective behaviours in nature such as ant colonies or bird flocking. Individual robots follow simple rules, but their collective behaviour produces complex, emergent patterns. In accessibility research, swarm robots offer novel interaction possibilities — such as programmable tactile and visual experiences for sensory regulation — that go beyond what single devices can provide, enabling customisable, dynamic, and engaging assistive interactions.