Even filtering for search bots, the variation fbbdn.net received the most hits, an average of 59 hits, followed by gbcdn.net and fjcdn.net .

FORBES: Bitsquatting: Machine-Garbled Internet Connections

As well as search and rescue bots, Choset's team have designed small-scale devices for use in human surgery.

CNN: Snake robots slither to the rescue

The major search engines now use shopping "bots" (for robot) to scour the Web for the best deal.

CNN: WINDOWS SHOPPING

The six-wheeled bots are being designed to carry a significant scientific payload, oriented around the search for life, but won't slouch in the maneuverability department, with six independently rotating wheels.

ENGADGET: ESA's six-wheeled Mars bot prototypes ready to kick some martian ass