News.blog: NASA 'earbots' keep robots well balanced

Scientists have, once again, looked to the natural world for inspiration.

A team of NASA scientists has developed 'earbots', devices modelled on the cochlea, a section of the inner ear that uses clusters of sensory cell receptors and nerve fibres to help humans maintain a sense of balance.

The earbot is a Styrofoam golf ball-like structure containing clusters of micro electro-mechanical sensors used to sense direction of motion, acceleration and rotation, much like the cochlea measures head movement.

The earbot is part of a NASA goal to develop walking robots that can travel over tough terrain. The first robot to be implanted with an earbot will be an eight-legged scorpion-like robot about the size of a dog, according to NASA. It will be used to keep the robot's camera level while it moves.

The question remains, what kind of earworms would NASA robots with ears be subjected to? The theme to 2001: A Space Odyssey?