In the inhibit mode, the robotic device would be used as an in-space exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement.

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The team hopes the laser could be built into a remote-controlled robotic device which could be despatched into a mine field, looking for vapour clouds.

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The idea is that a person would operate a robotic device remotely, but would receive or "feel" signals from a dangerous environment, such as a nuclear reactor or the surface of another planet.

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Remote-controlled cameras are nothing new -- heck, some even ride atop robotic vacuums -- but this Android smartphone-powered device delivers quite a bit of versatility in a petite package with a reasonable price tag to boot.

ENGADGET: Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)

Robotic Glockenspiel Player: XILO is a slightly frightening-looking device which uses the Lego camera to watch the player and transfer his or her movements into real-time Glockenspiel playing: "With just a little practice, you can make XILO create beautiful music!"

ENGADGET: Music Thing: Musical instruments made of Lego

Trower, who's working on Microsoft's own software platform for robotic systems, says this kind of PC bot would serve as a multiapplication communication and work device, but it would have microphones and touch-screens for interacting with humans and the same adaptable and moving form factor as a small robot.

FORBES: Household Robots