What is This?

A deadly species of caterpillar?

The work of America's foremost gum sculptor?

Something too disgusting to discuss on this blog?

The latest in robot technology?

A delicacy found only in the mountains of China?


The answer . . . It's a caterpillar (surprise), but it's the inspiration for the latest advancements in robot technology. Scientists are busily working to create new soft-bodied robots that may look much like the creature shown above. They may even be built out of new materials similar to spider silk--which are completely biodegradable. The advantage is that these new robots will be able to go places (like ailing colons) that other robots may find difficult to reach. I'm all for progress, but the thought gives me the willies.