Researchers control tiny robots using flexible tethers, enabling group movement without computers—potential for swarms in space and beyond.

From here it wouldn’t be too hard to develop line-follower robots, obstacle-avoiding robots, or maze-solving robots. Other components can easily be installed to facilitate these designs as well.

The approach lets the bots interact and move as a group without any programming, offering insight into how groups of simple robots might one day work together autonomously.

First announced back in September, the Lego Mindstorms EV3 Programming App is finally available for both iOS and Android tablets today.