There goes DARPA again - 'inspired by nature'...
The research, funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), could one day be used for surveillance purposes or for search-and-rescue missions.
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And more:
BAE builds an army of insect robots to bug enemy
Professional Engineering (PE) Publishing, 21 May 2008
http://www.profeng.com/archive/2008/2109/21090073.htm
BAE Systems is developing miniature surveillance robots, inspired by nature, in a £19 million programme that aims to give soldiers’ better information about war zones.
The biomimetic robots will work in a group, much like insect colonies, to get information The defence company has signed an agreement with the US Army Research Laboratory to lead development of the robots, working in conjunction with partners in the military, academia and industry...