Gov't Pushing for Research on Robotics: "The success of unmanned drones that have proven their mettle in combat since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has prompted an unprecedented push for new research at universities with advanced robotics laboratories.

"Robotics and mechanical engineering departments report an influx of cash from the Department of Defense to build land vehicles, boats and aircraft that don't need soldiers, sailors or pilots to operate them.

"The vehicles being developed now would not even need a human to control them remotely."