# Shape-Shifting Robots This Rolling Robot Can Flatten to Negotiate Obstacles By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-08-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolling-robots References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/ourobot-rolling-robot/44708/) & [fh-bielefeld.de](https://www.fh-bielefeld.de/) A group of students working out of the Computing Engineering department over at the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Germany have developed a truly spectacular rolling robot, named the Ourobot, that is designed to be fully capable of [altering its own shape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-mobility-system) in order to be able to negotiate obstacles of different shapes and sizes. Named after the Ouroboros, an ancient Egyptian symbol that comprises a snake curled around in a cricle shape, this particular rolling robot consists of a [dozen linked segments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skild-brain), with each holding its own motor and pressure sensor. As a result of this setup, the rolling robot can move like a regular wheel on flat ground, but can flatten down in order to climb over objects. The rolling robot is truly a spectacular engineering innovation that could be of use in a wide array of industries including manufacturing, transportation and military. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Shape-shifting Robots:** The development of robots capable of altering their shape to navigate obstacles presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in various industries. - **Linked Segments:** The use of linked segments in the design of rolling robots offers potential for disruptive innovation in robotics and automation. - **Motor and Pressure Sensor:** The integration of motors and pressure sensors in rolling robots opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in sensor technology and robotic locomotion. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Manufacturing:** Shape-shifting robots could revolutionize manufacturing processes by efficiently navigating obstacles and improving automation capabilities. - **Transportation:** The development of rolling robots with shape-shifting capabilities has the potential to disrupt transportation by enhancing mobility and adaptability in different environments. - **Military:** Shape-shifting robots could have disruptive applications in the military sector, enabling versatile and agile robotic systems for reconnaissance and obstacle traversal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Standing Quadruped Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anymal-robot.md) - [Maneuverable Centipede Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centipede-robot.md) - [Rolling Pet Connectivity Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freshrobot-rollbot.md) - [Shapeshifting Restaurant Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotating-table-service-robot.md) - [Zero-Gravity Robotic Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrovoxel.md) - [Agile Wall-Climbing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot.md) - [Hybrid Movement Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leo-robot.md) - [Modular Robot Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tron-2.md) - [Hopping All-Terrain Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascento-pro.md)