A robot with four small arms will be the newest surgical addition to the Edmonton (Canada) Hospital staff. The robot’s arms are designed to be more flexible than the human wrist so that they can work better in tight spaces. One will have a camera while the other three operate with surgical tools and all are controlled behind the scenes by a trained surgeon.

"If you have the benefits of three dimensions, and then the benefits of these EndoWrists to allow you to manipulate the instruments, then things are going to be easier. It’s going to be easier to teach new trainees how to do this type of surgery."

Starting in September, it will be deployed to treat prostate cancer at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The US Navy is another step closer to developing a flying bot, perhaps to join the robotic fighters in the works.

Northrop Grumman got the $636 million contract to design, build, and fly an Unmanned Combat Air System "that would operate from the decks of the Navy’s giant nuclear-powered aircraft carriers," which we might see in 10 to 15 years.

The end of the world is nigh. Robots that look cute and nothing like the machines they are, will be taking over the world – and all while we are misdirected by their "cuteness."

Meet the UGOBEâ„¢ Life Form which defines itself as, "looks, moves, and behaves in ways that trigger a ‘belief of life.’ Specifically, Pleo has organic body language, exhibits evolving emotions, is aware of his surroundings and has recognizable behaviors that change over time."

Scary, huh?

I understand it’s current educational philosophy to make education "fun," because those darn kids just won’t pay attention any longer. But a final exam based on making the best device for playing the game "Operation" on life-sized patients? Well, apparently that’s exactly what they’re doing at UBC. I hope the exam isn’t meant to be taken literally, because passing or failing wouldn’t really make a difference, now would it?

Robotic devices have been used in Iraq since the beginning of the war, but meet SWORDS (special weapons observation remote reconnaissance direct action system) which are modified bomb-disposal robots designed to function in a firefight.

There is a three-part arming process with plenty of safety protocols — "So now we can kill the unit if it goes crazy" . Nice to know.

There are only three of them right now because of funding problems, and of course, we cannot know their location.