A researcher holding a robot 'gnat' at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. This is the smallest of the robot insects so far produced by MIT during their micromechanics and nanotechnology research. The gnat has its own photodetectors and logic processors, enabling it to automatically search for and hide in shadows - such simple robotic tasks are known as 'artificial stupidity'. Until battery technology catches up, the gnat still requires an external power supply. Researchers at MIT hope to eventually produce robot insects that may be used in industry to perform internal checks and on-the-spot repairs to otherwise inaccessible machinery.