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Single-stranded DNA robots can move over the surface of a DNA origami sheet and sort molecular cargoes. Thubagere et al. developed a simple algorithm for recognizing two types of molecular cargoes and their drop-off destinations on the surface (see the Perspective by Reif). The DNA robot, which has three modular functional domains, repeatedly picks up the two types of molecules and then places them at their target destinations. No additional power is required because the DNA robot does this by random walking across the origami surface.

Scientists from Case Western Reserve University took a sea slug’s mouth muscle and attached it to two-inch 3-D printed parts to make a “biohybrid robot.” When shocked using electricity, the muscle helps the hybrid crawl forward—though at the not-very-quick speed of 0.4 centimeters a minute.

UNIVERSITY Hospital Limerick’s new surgical robot has brought about a “high level of satisfaction” amongst its 29 patients so far, it was said at the launch of the €2.6m innovation.