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Robotic Nanotech Swarms on Mars... in 2034

Posted by timothy on from the that's-when-they'll-fake-it-at-least dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "NASA is testing a shape-shifting robot called 'TETwalker' for tetrahedral walker, because it looks like a flexible pyramid. It has been tested in the lab and at the McMurdo station in Antarctica to test it under conditions more like those on Mars. Now, it is on the way to be -- really -- miniaturized by using micro- and nano-electro-mechanical systems. These robots will eventually join together to form 'autonomous nanotechnology swarms' (ANTS). When it's done, in about thirty years, these nanotech swarms will 'alter their shape to flow over rocky terrain or to create useful structures like communications antennae and solar sails.' So in 2034, nanotechnology will land on Mars. Read more for other details and references about the TETwalker and the ANTS project."

3 of 295 comments (clear)

  1. Why do I get the feeling... by TrumpetPower! · · Score: 4, Insightful

    ...that we're currently experiencing a ROLAND PIQUEPAILLE swarm?

    Cheers,

    b&

    --
    All but God can prove this sentence true.
  2. Roland by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Wish there was a way to mark Roland articles so we could omit them and deny him his precious ad revenue.

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    Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
  3. Re:Reproduction? by RecycledElectrons · · Score: 4, Insightful

    > We could have different "species" of
    > nanobots - ones to fix nitrogen,
    > another to break down CO2 into O2,
    > etc etc.

    We've already got those species - they are called bacteria.

    Andy Out!