iMobot Modular Robots for Study

University of California Davis commercializing modular robots that will allow researchers to study such a robot AI field of robotics, biomimetics, and collaboration without having to build the robot hardware itself.

developed by Graham Ryland and Harry Cheng, intended to fill a gap in the market for modular machines for research.

As shown in the video below, each module iMobot can crawl or roll around, and standing. The camera can be inserted into the faceplate rotating joints, according to the researchers.

Each module has a standard mount to the other modules and sensor modules can be added in limited configurations.

Modules can be linked into shape like a snake robot that can be stretched on uneven terrain, or larger formations that can move on wheels. Start-ups this robot maker receives research funding for small business 

innovation-from the National Science Foundation, and they hope to market iMobot at the end of 2011.

Detail from youtobe  :

Source : Barobo IMobot quoted from