Who would have thought that we'd ever be able to create robots capable of beating us at sports, travelling through space and helping us out when disasters strike? Well we have - and there's a tonne of other cool stuff that robots can do. These robots are truly mind-blowing:
1. Curiosity Rover
1. Curiosity Rover
Curiosity was designed by NASA to explore the climate and geology of Mars, more specifically the Gale Crater. To prepare this project, which will most likely culminate in a 2020 rover mission, NASA spent $2.5 billion!
2. RoboBees
2. RoboBees
These robotic insects were inspired by nature and built at Harvard University with the aim of making advances in the fields of entomology and developmental biology. At present they can be used for a variety of purposes including pollinating crops, search and rescue, and climate mapping.
3. e-David
3. e-David
This robotic painter was developed at Germany's University of Konstanz. It creates unique pieces of art by taking a photograph then developing a set of brush strokes to re-imagine the picture in paint.
4. Robot Jockeys
4. Robot Jockeys
Handlers control the whips on these robot jockeys as they speed alongside the track in their cars. Equipped with shock absorbers and GPS tracking systems, they were created to replace Indian children when their use as camel jockeys was outlawed in 2002.
5. BigDog
5. BigDog
Created by Boston Dynamics, BigDog is a multi-terrain robot that can run, climb and carry heavy loads. It gets it name from the fact that it's the size of a large dog, being 240 lbs and 2.5 feet tall.
6. Haile
6. Haile
This robot listens to a live percussionist and responds with an improvised piece in real-time. Haile, created by Georgia Tech, provides a unique and interactive musical experience that couldn't be produced any other way.
7. RoboCup
7. RoboCup
It's not quite as fast-paced as your average football match, but the annual RoboCup featuring teams from all over the world is still very cool when it comes to the development of intelligent and cooperative bots.
8. Schaft
8. Schaft
Schaft by Google is one of the best humanoid robots out there. It's super effective in rescue operations due to its many capabilities and abilities. For example, Schaft has the power of 10 people and can drive vehicles.
9. Topio
9. Topio
This dude is pretty scary looking, but don't worry, he's only programmed to play table tennis. Created by Vietnam's first ever robotics company TOSY, Topio has an artificial neural network that comes up with the best move to make when the ball leaves its opponent's paddle.
10. Titan
10. Titan
Last but not least we have Titan, the world's strongest robot developed by German manufacturer KUKA Robotics. Titan is so strong, it can pick up several heavy engine blocks at once, as well as parts from ships and aeroplanes.