Menacing Underwater Robot Reaches Out And Touches

via Gizmodo by Sean Fallon on 5/6/09

German researchers have designed an underwater robot with a sense of touch thanks to micro-sensors printed directly onto the robot's body that are about half the width of a human hair.

Because this sensors can be packed so tightly together, the robot would be better able to control itself in strong currents and delicately grip fragile objects. It may also be great at scaring away any living creatures on land or sea thanks to its menacing look. I mean is this design all about functionality or did they intentionally make it look like a nightmare creature from the sea? [Fraunhofer via Eurekalert via BotJunkie via DVICE]