It’s simply emergent behaviour. The only “programmed” part is with the flashlight. However there is some form of manipulation going on. They act as a combined

It’s simply emergent behaviour. The only “programmed” part is with the flashlight. However there is some form of manipulation going on. They act as a combined organism due to the fact that they are physically constrained together. The emergent behaviour is due to interference of all members combined. I’m assuming the clustering is due to a common equilibrium reached when they’re lined up next to each other. Remember that they’re running DC motors with weights on the ends so they’ll resonate together. Overall it looks like in some scenarios the behaviour becomes cyclic due to above - I’m also wondering if at some point deterministic. Regardless, it’s a great example of emergent behaviour. Like Boids, Bees or Game of Life.