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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. Movie Link by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Took some digging.

  2. Reproduction? by pomegranatesix · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Will they have the ability to reproduce themselves?

    After the initial exploring and scientific investigations - we could have other uses for the nanobots.

    It'd be pretty cool if they could spread all over Mars and begin terraforming.

    We could have different "species" of nanobots - ones to fix nitrogen, another to break down CO2 into O2, etc etc. Mars would be livable in a couple hundred/thousand years.

  3. Wrong destination by exp(pi*sqrt(163)) · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Mars:
    1. Rocks

    Titan

    1. Lakes and rivers
    2. Clouds and real weather
    3. Water spouting volcanoes
    4. Complex organic compounds
    5. Giant ringed planet in the sky (at least on a clear day, if they ever happen???)
    Need I say more?
    --
    Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.