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Robot swarms

A group of undergraduate students at Southampton University has developed a swarm of identical matchbox-sized robots…

Cheap as (micro) chips

Advances in technology mean it is now possible to create self-assembling robot chains as well as tiny robots for as little as £24. By harnessing mobile phone technology these robots can communicate (though they probably don’t benefit from ‘free’ minutes and text packages) and divide up tasks amongst themselves without being controlled by a central programme.

Bursting with benefits

The benefits could be colossal. Imagine a situation where people are trapped in a mine and there is risk of an explosion or further collapse. There might be risk of radiation or drowning. These robots could be sent in dividing their tasks among looking for survivors, checking for further dangers such as water or gas leaks or fuether weaknesses in the mine shaft. Think about ways they could be used in construction or in space. The possibilities are endless!