Robots in the future

Over the next ten years, breakthroughs in nanotechnology may help us build better and smaller machines.

A nanometre is just one-millionth of a millimetre in length and nanotechnology involves studying and working with materials on an ultra-small scale.

Using nanotechnology, scientists have created a tiny walking nanobot, using only the building blocks of life: DNA.

The microscopic walker, which is only 10 nanometres long, uses its legs to move along a footpath.

Nanotechnology could also lead to a range of materials with new qualities such as stay-clean glass and magnetic liquids.

There may also be breakthroughs from scientists trying to implant computer programs into living creatures - known as wetware.

This technology could help people with false arms or legs to move them just by thinking about it.