It's news that's sure to get Transformers fans at least a little excited. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are currently working on small cube robots that are capable of self-assembling themselves into different forms, according to the Los Angeles Times. While these robots are a long way from speaking or turning into vehicles like Optimus Prime or any of the other Transformers, they do rely on strong magnets. Here's what you need to know about MIT's latest robotics breakthrough, the M-blocks:

Bouncing cubes

A video posted to the MIT​ News Office's YouTube page shows the robotic cubes in action. Small in nature and painted in colors like red and blue, the tiny machines spin, bounce and hop over one another before finally clicking into position. Several design elements make these actions possible. "It's simple on the outside, but the insides are very unique," Daniela Rus, an MIT robotics professor, told the news source. Inside each M-block is a flywheel capable of spinning at 20,000 revolutions per minute. When the flywheel comes to a complete halt, the cube flips into its desired position. Lending each robot a hand is a series of small magnets located around its edges. In the video, MIT roboticist Kyle Gilpin said the M-block features eight face magnets on each side, in addition to edge magnets that are capable of rotating. These features allow for a very strong bond between the cubes.

The cubes' potential

Unlike the aggressive Transformers and other morphing robots in pop culture, the M-blocks are not meant to war with each other. Instead, the researchers see this type of technology helping people in a variety of situations. "A single cube can use this tumbling motion to traverse very hard-to-reach terrain, so maybe tunnels or through rubble," said Rus. "So it could jump around in these kinds of difficult environments." Beyond using the robots to assemble temporary bridges, the researchers would like to see the cubes create everyday objects. Research scientist John Romanishin wants to see hundreds of M-blocks scattered across a floor. Then, he wants them to identify one another and form a chair, desk or ladder, according to Wired magazine. The MIT team is also open to the idea of eventually outfitting the robots with cameras and claw-like grippers.

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