Engineers in the US say they have invented a hydrogen-powered robot that moves through water like a jellyfish. Development of the robot, nicknamed Robojelly, is in the early stages but researchers hope it could eventually be used in underwater rescue operations. Read more
A headless robot dubbed "Cheetah" has set a new world speed record, according to its owners. The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency said the four-legged machine achieved 29km/h on a laboratory treadmill. The agency said the previous land speed record by a legged robot was 21km/h. Read more
Starfish-inspired 'soft' robot squeezes under obstacles
A "soft" robot inspired by squid and starfish can crawl, undulate, and squeeze under obstacles. Built by a team at Harvard University, this robot has several advantages over those with treads, wheels and rigid parts - which have a limited repertoire of movements and may have trouble navigating difficult terrain. Read more
"PETman" is a new anthropomorphic robot by Boston Dynamics. The robot will serve to test and validate the integrity and effectiveness of new NBC military protective clothing under realistic conditions.
Honda's All-new ASIMO Prepares and Serves Refreshments
Honda has developed a highly functional compact multi-fingered hand, which has a tactile sensor and a force sensor imbedded on the palm and in each finger, respectively, and which acts to control each finger independently. Combined with the object recognition technology based on visual and tactile senses, this multi-fingered hand enables the all-new ASIMO to perform tasks with dexterity, such as picking up a glass bottle and twisting off the cap, or holding a soft paper cup to pour a liquid without squishing it.
A team of Bristol engineers have created a robotic snake which can wriggle into inaccessible and dangerous places. The technology, which took 10 years to develop, could be used to access locations such as the inside of a nuclear reactor. Read more
A University of Leeds researcher has drawn inspiration from biology to build a giant robotic worm that can wiggle its way around obstacles. The super-sized 'worm-bot' is modelled on the C. elegans nematode, a tiny free-living worm that uses an ultra-simple nervous system to control the way that it moves. Read more