The researchers' next step is adding in autonomous capabilities so the bots can repair things -- and even build other robots -- without being told to do so.

ENGADGET: Robot uses glue gun to make tools, hopes to ace Survival Skills 101

At least two more things: First, genuine repentance, a determination to change and to repair breaches of my own making.

CNN: Transcript: Clinton speaks to prayer breakfast

If we leave things as they are we will be left with crumbling buildings, mounting repair costs and escalating levels of council tax.

BBC: Council plans to close libraries

The prosecution asked the judges to force Shell to do three things: clean up the mess created by oil leaks in the three villages, repair and maintain the defective pipelines and pay compensation.

BBC: Shell in Nigeria: Dutch court to rule in pollution case