Lund, 38, oversees Lego Mindstorms, the world's most popular line of robot tool kits.

FORBES: Son of Lego

While out on three spacewalks, Atlantis mission specialists Steve Bowen, Michael Good and Garrett Reisman replaced six solar array batteries on the orbiting platform and installed a backup communications Ku-band antenna and a robot tool tray.

BBC: Atlantis set for 'final' return

To speed rescue efforts, engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a robot that would eliminate some of the unknowns of mine rescue operations and arm first responders with the most valuable tool: information.

ENGADGET: Gemini-Scout robot can scope out mining accidents, may save lives (video)

The robot, developed by German engineer Bernd Brodbeck and Kiener Maschinenbau, a manufacturer of automated industrial systems, is a tool to build solar power plants rather than operate them.

FORBES: How Robots Are Making Solar Power Cheaper