# Self-Healing Mini Robots EU Symbrion Program By Dee Sandin | Published 2008-03-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swarms-of-self-healing-mini-robots-the-future-of-search-and-rescue-operatio References: [google](http://www.google.com/) & [google](http://www.google.com/search?q=swarms+of+self-healing+mini+robots&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) The [European Union](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gait-rehabilitation-system) is developing and funding a project, the Symbrion program, to develop a prototype team of [shape-changing, self-organizing mini robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tron-2) that work as a team. These robots will be used in places such as disasters, like earthquakes, sent into collapsed buildings to search or lift rubble off of survivors. They are refered to as "[swarms" of robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots) because they are an inch square in size, and software has been developed to allow individual robots, to collaborate, using their individual attributes to make the most of their performance. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Shape-changing Robots:** The development of shape-changing robots offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in various industries such as search and rescue, construction and manufacturing. - **Self-organizing Robots:** The advancement in self-organizing robots presents disruptive innovation possibilities in fields like logistics, agriculture, and healthcare. - **Collaborative Robotics:** The emergence of collaborative robots opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in sectors such as warehousing, assembly lines, and hospitality. ### Who This Affects Most - **Search and Rescue:** The introduction of self-healing mini robots can revolutionize the search and rescue industry by enabling efficient and effective operations in disaster scenarios. - **Construction:** The utilization of shape-changing robots can disrupt the construction industry by offering enhanced capabilities and versatility in tasks like building inspections and maintenance. - **Manufacturing:** The implementation of self-organizing robots has the potential to disrupt the manufacturing sector by optimizing production processes and improving worker safety. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Self-Replicating Living Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xenobots.md) - [Zero-Gravity Robotic Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrovoxel.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Blood Clot-Relieving Millirobots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/millirobot.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md) - [Maneuverable Centipede Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centipede-robot.md) - [Agile Wall-Climbing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot.md) - [Compact Mycelium Biohybrid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-robot.md)