The Environment Agency automatic flood warnings service sends an automated telephone message directly to householders if flooding from rivers or the sea is expected to affect their property.

BBC: More flood-risk homes get Environment Agency warnings

This time, Dragon capsule's sensors, navigation computers and automated propulsion system, never before fully tested in the harsh environment of space, are supposed to maneuver the capsule in a weightless ballet to within 1.5 miles of the space station and then maintain control as Dragon drifts closer.

WSJ: SpaceX's Pioneering Flight Plans

Critics fear that fully automated systems would clear the way for more warfare, some of it unnecessary, and would create an environment that is dangerous not only for terrorists and insurgents but also for civilians who happen to be in the way.

WSJ: Could We Trust Killer Robots?

The community recently unveiled its element14 knode, a unique automated platform that enables engineers to quickly research, design, develop and prototype in a single, intelligent environment. element14 is an innovative offering from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), FTSE 250, a leader in multi-channel electronics distribution trading throughout Europe (Farnell), the Americas (Newark) and Asia Pacific (element14).

ENGADGET: Ben Heck splits and condenses a pair of Xbox 360 controllers for the disabled