Future models of the mechanical mollusk could be used for invasive surgeries or to conduct tests in hard to reach places like oil wells thousands of feet underground, said Hosoi.

CNN: Snails inspire design for state-of-the-art robots

The new models all feature an ergonomic design that isolates the ear more steadily and comfortably, and also decreases mechanical vibration.

ENGADGET: Denon outs 2009 line of Blu-ray players, AV receivers and headphones