Robots

Technological breakthroughs and information about big ideas, innovations and the inventors that make progress possible.

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How Do You Make a Conscious Robot?

By Charles Q. Choi

Why You Shouldn't Expect to See 'Blade Runner' Replicants Anytime Soon

By Mindy Weisberger

Why don't we have intelligent robots that seem human, like the replicants in "Blade Runner"?

Humanity's Sci-Fi Future: Are We Really Ready for Intelligent Robots?

By Mindy Weisberger

As technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, specialized and perhaps even autonomous, what does that mean for the humans who design and depend on it?

ANA DE ARMAS as Joi and RYAN GOSLING as K in Alcon Entertainment's action thriller "BLADE RUNNER 2049," a Warner Bros. Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment release, domestic distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures and international distribution by Sony

Recipe for a Replicant: 5 Steps to Building a Blade Runner-Style Android

By Dan Robitzski

The Blade Runner replicants are nearly indistinguishable from humans in every way except for their emotions. Here's what we'd need to build such a human-like robot in real-life.

Hands Free Hectare is an experimental farm run by researchers from Harper Adams University, in the United Kingdom.

Robotic Farm Completes 1st Fully Autonomous Harvest

By Tereza Pultarova

It's harvest season in many parts of the world, but on one farm in the United Kingdom, robots — not humans — are doing all the heavy lifting.

These exoskeletons could help robots perform a variety of missions. Clockwise from the top: Glider-bot, Walk-bot, Wheel-bot & Boat-bot.

Origami-Style Suits Turn Robots into Real-Life 'Transformers'

By Charles Q. Choi

In experiments, self-folding, heat-activated origami suits created for robots could help the machines walk, roll, sail and glide, according to the new study.

Super-Sticky Robot Clings Underwater Like 'Hitchhiker' Fish

By Stephanie Pappas

A new robot boasts a strong underwater grip.

These autonomous robots know how to work as a team and even how to choose the best leader.

Assemble! 'Voltron'-Like Robots Can Elect Their Own Leader

By Jesse Emspak

With a nod to the "Voltron" Defender of the Universe," a team of scientists has created robots that work together and decide which one will lead them.

A robotic hand with intrinsically stretchable rubbery sensors.

Stretchy Artificial 'Skin' Could Give Robots a Sense of Touch

By Tracy Staedter

Rubber electronics and sensors that operate normally even when stretched to up to 50 percent of their length could work as artificial skin on robots, according to a new study.

A robot called "Blossom" resembles a handmade child’s toy, representing a softer side of social robots.

This Lumpy Robot Lends Endearing Touch to Social Bots

By Mindy Weisberger

A robot called "Blossom" resembles a handmade child’s toy, representing a softer side of social robots.

How Do You Make a Likable Robot? Program It to Make Mistakes

By Mindy Weisberger

People find imperfect robots more likable.

A vine-inspired robot can grow by unfurling from the inside. The robot can reverse its growth as well, by decreasing air pressure inside it.

Magic Bots: Vine-Inspired Robots Can Grow on Demand

By Charles Q. Choi

Robots that mimic ivy vines can grow thousands of times their original lengths at speeds faster than the average person can run, a new study finds.

Advanced Vision Algorithm Helps Robots Learn to See in 3D

By Tracy Staedter

Researchers are improving the ability of robots to identify three-dimensional objects even if their shape is partially obscured.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's JEM Internal Ball Camera, called Int-Ball, can record video in space while remote controlled from the ground.

BB-8 Flies? Adorable Japanese Drone Ball Tours Space Station

By Elizabeth Howell

Should We Fear the Rise of Intelligent Robots?

By Arend Hintze

A scientist who spends his days developing artificial intelligence systems, reveals what about AI keeps him up at night.

A quadcopter drone with wheels attached so it can fly and drive.

Hybrid Driving-Flying Robots Could Go Beyond the Flying Car

By Charles Q. Choi

Whether they're swooping in to deliver packages or spotting victims in disaster zones, swarms of flying robots could have a range of important applications in the future.