M-TRAN (Modular Transformer) is a self-reconfigurable modular robot that has been developed by AIST and Tokyo-Tech since 1998. A number of M-TRAN modules can form
- a 3-D structure which changes its own configuration
- a 3-D structure which generates smaller robots
- a multi-DOF robot which flexibly locomotes
- a robot which metamorphoses
http://unit.aist.go.jp/is/dsysd/mtran3/
It seems to be a very interesting topic.