Robo-Bat Skeleton, Courtesy of Dr. Stefen Seelecke, North Carolina State University

So in what may be the coolest invention of all time, the folks at North Carolina State University have come up with a Robo-Bat.

“We’re using an alloy that responds to the heat from an electric current. That heat actuates micro-scale wires the size of a human hair, making them contract like ‘metal muscles.’ During the contraction, the powerful muscle wires also change their electric resistance, which can be easily measured, thus providing simultaneous action and sensory input. This dual functionality will help cut down on the robo-bat’s weight, and allow the robot to respond quickly to changing conditions – such as a gust of wind – as perfectly as a real bat.” – Dr. Stefen Seelecke.

Super sweet! Now if they could only make a robot to clean my house I’d be doubly happy!

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