Robot Roundup: Animal edition

We check in on three types of robots that imitate critters in order to serve people. The wonderfully named Scalybot 2 was built to resemble a snake in order to perform search and rescue operations. Georgia Tech researchers studied snakes to build it. No word on the presumably grim fate of Scalybot 1. Snakes are able to slither into all kinds of tight spaces while expending very little energy. Check out the video in the left sidebar.

Meanwhile, a fleet of hummingbird-like helicopter robots from the University of Pennsylvania can fly in perfect formation (check out the video below). You have GOT to watch it -- tiny quadcopter robots flying in perfect formation. Especially at 1:22 when they do the figure 8. Bananas.

And researchers in Singapore have developed an itty-bitty crab-like robot that crawls into your stomach and rips out cancer cells with its hook and pincer. You know, just like real crabs. We have no video of that, but at least now you don't have to throw up all over the place from having seen it.

About the author

John Moe is the host of Marketplace Tech Report, where he provides an insightful overview of the latest tech news.

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