Abstract: A touchable user interface including multiple robotic modules that can “walk” over each other to allow reconfiguration of the interface. Each module preferably includes motive devices as well as connective devices communication between the modules and a control unit that send commands to the interface, thereby enabling its reconfiguration. Depending on the needs of the user/builder, the interface can be an input interface, or both. The interface can also act as robotic appendage/manipulator capable of engaging and manipulating a wide variety of objects and/or substances by engulfing such objects and/or substances in “pseudopods” and structural voids which the modules are moved by instructions from the control unit.

Abstract: A movable robotic module including a framework defining a set of vertex elements, a set of edge elements, or a set of face elements, with the framework substantially shaped to permit face centered cubic packing. Each module includes a pivot mechanism on its framework to permit rotation of the framework with respect to other movable robotic modules. A power unit supplies operational power to each module, the power being used for rotation of the module, sensor and/or a control unit connected to the pivot mechanism and/or the power unit to control rotation of the framework.