# 103. Ant Inspired Swarm Robots

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-01-03
- Length: 19m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-03-103-ant-inspired-swarm-robots
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/103-ant-inspired-swarm-robots-_7UImP4y

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss a Harvard University research project that mimics ant colony behavior to create a decentralized swarm robotics system called 'RANTS'. They explain how the robots use 'photo-pheromones' (light gradients) to coordinate excavation tasks without central control, offering a lightweight alternative to complex AI. The episode also touches on the hosts' sponsor segment regarding IoT solutions for traffic congestion.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-03-103-ant-inspired-swarm-robots#t=0) Introduction and Traffic Sponsor Segment
- [5:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-03-103-ant-inspired-swarm-robots#t=328) Harvard Ant Research and Collective Dynamics
- [10:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-03-103-ant-inspired-swarm-robots#t=650) The RANTS Robot System and Photo-Pheromones
- [14:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-03-103-ant-inspired-swarm-robots#t=863) Decentralized Control and Future Applications

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Harvard University (company)
- RANTS (product)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Wevolver (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 104: Robot swarms inspired by nature - Kirstin Petersen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-01-10-episode-104-robot-swarms-inspired-by-nature-kirstin-petersen) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Ten – Robot Swarms: flocking together](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-09-24-episode-ten-robot-swarms-flocking-together) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode Thirty-Four: Sabine Hauert](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-01-27-episode-thirty-four-sabine-hauert) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 154: Visual navigation in insects and robots - Andrew Philippides](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-01-episode-154-visual-navigation-in-insects-and-robots-andrew-philippides) (Robot Talk)
- [Episode 80: Resilient robot teams - Danesh Tarapore](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-12-episode-80-resilient-robot-teams-danesh-tarapore) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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