Hansel and Gretel left a trail of breadcrumbs to help guide them out of the forest. But what if a robot could be programmed to do the same thing?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo are working on a new kind of robotic exploration that uses a series of tiny robots to navigate its way through unknown environments. These robots, called “breadcrumb robots,” will be able to explore unknown spaces by leaving a series of tiny markers as they go.

The breadcrumb robots are equipped with a camera, a GPS system, and a tiny radio transmitter. As they move, they will leave a trail of tiny markers behind them that serve as a kind of map. The markers will be detected by the other robots in the swarm, allowing them to retrace their steps and explore further.

This innovative new exploration technique could be used to explore hazardous environments, such as disaster sites or areas affected by radiation. It could also be used to explore the depths of the ocean or the surface of other planets. The possibilities are endless!

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source: Phys.org