Robots can flex too

Scientists from six nations have gathered in Calfornia to show off the latest in robot technology, namely applications of electroactive polymers. They are special types of material, in many ways similar to organic muscles.

On display this year there was a robo-fish, with a tailfin flapping like a live fish.

The star of the event was a three-metre robo-blimp that literally flew over the heads of onlookers. Its rudders were moved by EAP pull, although the conference hall proved to be too small for it.

Artificial muscles could be the next hit in commercial products, with an EAP-controlled zoom lens already released in Japan.