A unique blob-like robot that is wet, fleshy and capable of squeezing through tiny holes is exciting scientists and horrifying bloggers.

The “Chembot” was unveiled at a robotics conference in the US last week and is the result of a multi-million dollar grant from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The robot moves by inflating and deflating parts of its body via a process called “jamming”, which causes its silicone skin to change between semi-liquid and solid states.

DARPA hopes the robot will be able to assist in military search-and-rescue operations, where its ability to navigate through small openings such as tiny cracks in walls could prove invaluable.

Read the rest here:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/877539/nightmarish-blob-like-robot-unveiled-in-us