Of course, it would have been more legit as a model train if it ran on its own mini engine instead of a rotating external motor, but since nano machines of that caliber are not readily available, I will have to call this build impressive nonetheless. Probably could use a little moisturizer on those hands though. [James River Branch via Engadget]

The image above comes from Aeronvironment, and shows what it wants the prototype in the video below to ultimately look like. DARPA's goal is to have a 10 gram aircraft with a 7.5-centimetre wingspan. They want it to get into tight hiding spaces and send back GPS and image data.

Aeronvironment's progress is also notable because such robots previously couldn't carry their own batteries, and had to use guide wires.

"It is capable of climbing and descending vertically, flying sideways left and right, as well as forward and backward, under remote control," says the company.

[New Scientist]

The tiny device, which measures just 300x300 microns, contains a solar cell, communications circuit and sensor. By sensing pH levels and sharing them via electromagnetic pulse to a connected computer, researchers were able to control magnetically-influenced bacteria to precisely relocate their machine to seek out an environment of higher pH.

We know, that's some intensely scientific info. Think of it as a Wooly Willy on a very, very tiny scale. Technology Review has a video of the phenomenon, and if you're interested in nanotech, it's worth the 30 or so seconds. [Technology Review via KurzweilAI]

Worse still, these malignant Micro Machines are armed with tiny pincers that open and close when they are heated by, wait for it, a laser.

The researchers claim this discovery will lead to better toxic waste cleanup:

"Since there is no wiring, and the robot freely floats in air, it can operate in an enclosed chamber while the whole setup is outside," wrote U of W professor Mir Behrad Khamesee. "It can work in hazardous environments, toxic chambers, and it can be used to conduct bio-hazardous experiments. Also, since there is no mechanical linkage, it has a dust-free operation, suitable for clean room applications."

Right, until these little critters spawn some artificial intelligence, take a look at the planet, and decide "toxic waste" means "mankind." [ZDNet]

The team's developed the system to the point where 100 centimeter-scale machines can operate together in a "posse", moving an obstacle when one 'bot finds its path blocked, for example. And they've got two devices designed and made already: the tiny one in the image that's just three millimeters across, moves by vibration (like a bristlebot) and has 8k of OS and 2k of RAM aboard; and larger machines dubbed Jasmines that have tiny wheels.

"We now know there is water and dust so all they would need is some sort of glue to start building structures, such as homes for human scientists" says one team member, predicting that a habitat could be constructed ahead of the arrival of human explorers, thus taking some of the complexity out of manned Martian missions.

Next step is apparently to mass produce the tiny machines, using a fold-out PCB technique that's akin to origami. Then it's off to terraform Mars. OK, there's a huge bunch more research to do yet, but this is a promising and slightly creepy (in a "what if a swarm of insectoid robots go rogue?" kind of way) start. [ScienceDaily via IO9]

The team are quick to point out that their ideas are far from reaching fruition, and up to this point they are relying on simulations to form strategies that can be used for such shape-changing, or "claytronic," robots. The pocket-sized prototypes they are experimenting with are able to use electromagnetic forces to manoeuvre, communicate and share power. If you haven't already, check out the video above to see a simulation of what the overall concept will be able to do, as well as some footage of the prototypes in action. If that was not enough to keep you entertained, there is even a dorky-sounding narrator to guide you along the way. Gosh, you guys are spoiled. [New Scientist via Newlaunches]

This is Claytronics, a concept technology "formed by billions of microscopic robots, each with computational abilities and sensors that enable interaction." In theory, it will allow you to create 3D objects directly and manipulate them in real time. Like Silly Putty but smart, animated and without all the mess.

I truly hope that Claytronics becomes reality one day. Along with killer giant robots programmed to destroy every promotional video that looks like an infomercial from the '80s with bad actors, power-Muzak and forced clichéd taglines like "Claytronics, Make It Happen™." – Jesus Diaz

(Vide0) Synthetic Reality [TechEBlog]