these images show from left to right in each row, the sequence of self assembly by the miniature robots
One of the cornerstones of organic development is how cells are able to replicate DNA using building blocks floating randomly inside a cell's nucleus. A little bio lesson; the interior of a nucleus is filled with a gel-like liquid known as plasm. Also present are polymerases which grab nucleotides (the DNA building blocks I was speaking of) as needed when copying DNA.
Inspired by these biological systems, scientists at M.I.T have developed miniature robots that can self assemble using parts that float randomly in their environments. Basically, the bots latch on to one another in specific sequences. They come in two colors, yellow (Y) and green (G) and float around on a cushion of air like hockey pucks. Each robot is programmed to latch onto a green robot on one side and a yellow robot on the other to form 5-robot strings such as YGGYY or GYYGG. They robots can also correct any mistakes they've made by checking to make sure they are latched on to the correct colored neighbor.
More and more research like this is surfacing after years of lab time - all with some similar conclusions when attempting to artificially simulate biological processes. Nature has a way of using the simplest actions to complete the most complex tasks. Currently most technology needs to be complex in order to achieve complex actions. In order to get to where nature has perfected biological processes, we need to minimize that complexity level. Less complexity means less room for error and less energy wasted. I find this research totally fascinating.