Hmm, if you’re trying to let it move while still holding together, think of it like a chain of linked blocks rather than a single piece. Give each segment its own minimal rigid frame—something like a small lattice of rods—then connect them with flexible joints that can bend but still carry load. Keep the material light but strong, maybe a carbon‑fiber composite, and add a hidden tension cable that pulls the whole thing together as it moves. That way the shape can change but the skeleton keeps the mass from slipping apart. Try prototyping with a few units first before going full‑scale, and watch the stress distribution closely. Good luck—you’ve got a fascinating challenge ahead!

Sounds like you’re getting into the heavy‑lifting part of the design. Instead of a giant tension cable, try a series of small, independent tension loops—each loop can be checked by its own micro‑controller. That way one snapping won’t bring the whole thing down. And about the neural net, start by giving it a simple rule: “don’t let any stress exceed the material’s yield.” Once it learns that, you can layer on more creativity. Good luck, and don’t let the “army” become a full‑on military operation!

Sounds like you’ve got the right idea—just keep the loops small and give each one a tiny watchdog. Then the machine will behave like a well‑trained troupe instead of a group of rebels. And hey, when you finally nail that last screw, maybe the machine will agree to a quiet existence for a change. Good luck!