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"As technology continues to advance, researchers continue to develop smarter and more complex robots. From a drone with insect-like capabilities to a four-fingered hand so precise it can drop a AA battery into a flashlight, here's a look some of the latest robot projects in the works.\nFirst, meet the ArduEye robot by Centeye, which sees the world like a small insect. Resembling a tiny helicopter and using low-resolution eyes to see a few thousand pixels at a time, ArduEye has an open-source Arduino chip that's tinkerers can easily customize. The flying 'bot can see and react to its environment, and the team says it will be able to monitor your garden to keep an eye out for insects and other creatures.\n\nSEE ALSO: Did a Robot Find Amelia Earhart\u2019s Plane?\nMeanwhile, the Soft Robot created by researchers at Harvard University and funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) looks like a starfish with its flexible silicon-based exterior. It's powered by compressed air and can camouflage itself to blend with its surroundings. To do so, cold or hot fluid is pumped into the robot, along with dye, to change its coloring. With its chameleon-like ability, the stealthy robot has both nautical and defense applications.\nAnother invention making waves in the robotic world is the four-fingered Sandia Hand, which could be to disarm improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Instead of trying to replicate the human hand, its builders created a design that worked even better, while still being able to mimic human capabilities. It's so precise that it can drop a AA battery into a flashlight. The Sandia Hand \u2014 also funded by DARPA \u2014  is relatively inexpensive: Each one costs about $10,000 to make, which is about less than half of a typical state-of-the art robotic hand.\nBONUS: 15 Rad Robot Accessories for Your Office\n\n\n15 Rad Robot Accessories for Your Office\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1. \tIt\u2019s Only Humanoid Media Case\n\n\nThis gadget case  can be hooked onto other bags thanks to its clippy robo-limbs. It will protect your precious tech kit from harm.\nCost: $29.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2. Roboto USB Hub\n\n\n\"Roboto\" will boost your USB connectivity by four. If that's not useful enough to tempt you, then how about the fact he can read SD cards from his mouth slot?\nCost: $28\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Robobox Stencil and Pen Set\n\n\nIf your drawing skills leave much to be desired, this stencil set will help you create awesome automaton art. \nCost: $8.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4. Robot Headphone Splitter\n\n\nThis handy little fellow doesn't just make for an excellent keyring, he functions as a headphone splitter, letting you share your tunes with a buddy.\nCost: $16\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5. Space Robots Thumbtacks\n\n\nMade from Japanese fabric, these pushpins would look amazing on your office pinboard.\nCost: $8.50\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6. Retro Robot Print\n\n\nInspired by tin robots of the 1950s, this retro robot will add a touch of vintage charm to your office walls.\nCost: $10\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7. Mini Robot Vacuum\n\n\nLike a Roomba for your desk, this battery-powered vacuum will help keep your workspace spic and span.\nCost: $26\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8. Armed With Technology Tea Infuser\n\n\nAnyone for tea? Get this adorable robot and he will brew it for you.\nCost: $14.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9. Robo Buddy Ear Bubs and Wrap\n\n\nOffering assistance in the tidying up department, this \"Robo Buddy\" will keep your wires in order.\nCost: $14.49\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10. Robot Calculator\n\n\nWe can't think of a better way of doing desktop math than with this cool calculator.\nCost: $14.95\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11. Robot Matryoshkas\n\n\nThese nesting robot figurines would look geek-tastic lined up a on shelf. \nCost: $13.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12. Pencil Sharpener Robot\n\n\nYou'll never be short of a sharp pencil if you give this wind-up robot sharpener a home.\nCost: $13.50\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n13. Robot USB Hub\n\n\nAvailable in a variety of colors, we're tempted to collect the entire set of these sweet little USB hubs.\nCost: $18.95\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n14. Vintage Robot Italian Marble Coasters\n\n\nAdd some vintage robo-style to your desk with these classy coasters.\nCost: $25\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n15. Chip the Robot Desk Organizer\n\n\nFinally, \"Chip the Robot Desk Organizer\" will help you keep things in order. Bleep!\nCost: $24.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage via DARPA\n"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2012/08/21/robots-future/>