Here is an update on the MIT design for 10 cm spherical microbots for exploring the planets 1000 microbots would have the same launch volume as the Mars Spirit rover.
They could be used to explore caves and large areas. They have spinoff capabilities for helping the military to search caves and buildings.
An artists rendering of a microbot.
A swarm of microbots on Mars
Here is the project page at MIT
Hopping power is provided by a compliant bistable foot operated by Dielectric Elastomer Actuators
concept using 4 Dielectric Elastomer Actuators to change microbot orientation before hopping.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.