Mobile robot sensor and networking design to enable cooperative behavior

Purpose – Offers an example of mobile robot networking and sensors. Design/methodology/approach – Displays an example of a prototype mobile robot called M‐Tran III. Findings – Teams of simple, modular robots can assume a wide variety of shapes to allow movement and cooperative behavior. Research limitations/implications – The ability for modular robots to network through physical and electronic means allows more adaptable teams and systems. Practical implications – The practical implications of improved mobile robot sensors, both internal and external, will allow greater adaptability and intelligence for exploration and construction. Originality/value – Reveals innovations in mobile robot communication and re‐configurability.