Robot Roundup

This has been a big week in robotics. First, scientists are experimenting with tentacle-link manipulators for grasping oddly shaped objects (think bomb disposal). Second, Korea has developed the second humanoid android. Finally, scientists have been able to boost the performance of elastic metal "memory wire" by adding alcohol to the environment where the muscles are contracting.

Personally I think the last advancement is the most important, as it is a step towards creating everyone's favorite robot, the bending unit. I wonder if the alcohol they used was Olde Fortran?