Robotic cells that connects to create different shaped robots
CellRobot, a new modular robot developed by Chinese company KEYi, allows a user to connect robotic cells in order to create various shapes and types of robot. The company has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $75,000, so that it can begin manufacturing units for delivery in December. According to VentureBeat, CellRobot is also looking to attract developers to write functions for the robot's software, as well as design new x-cells.

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If you’re only going to buy one robot, then you might as well buy something that can be configured into 100 different robots.

That’s the premise of CellRobot, a new modular robot designed and built by KEYi Technology of Beijing. The company has finished the product, and has now launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the $75,000 it needs to begin manufacturing. (So far, it has $28,495, with 41 days to go.)

The company had planned to do a Kickstarter campaign earlier this year. But following problems with some of its manufacturers, the company delayed the campaign until now.

CellRobot consists of three types of ball-shaped units that are connected to form robots of different shapes.

The “heart” unit is actually the brains, supplying power to the other units and communicating with a smartphone app to control the robot. Multiple “cell” units are then connected to the “heart” to create the robots’ shape and movement capabilities. And finally, “x-cells” are placed at the end of a series of units, and include things like cameras, lights, or wheels.

The company is trying to attract developers to write functions for the robot’s software as well as design new x-cells.

Assuming the campaign is successful, the first units would be delivered in December. The company estimates the retail cost for a basic CellRobot kit will be $380.