For many people the term 'robot' immediately conjures up ominous images of super-strong, humanoid machines intent on causing destruction. The truth is that such depictions still firmly belong in the realm of science fiction, in movies like "Terminator" and "I Robot".

The reality is that robots, far from being futuristic are actually already here. While most of them work in factories constructing automobiles, some are beginning to appear in more familiar parts of society. Robots are now employed as museum guides, to automatically transport cargo at ports, and to assist surgeons perform operations. A few have even been used to explore other planets. And now some are finally managing to reach that final frontier of robotics — the domestic home in the form of vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers.

But today's robots are all of very limited intelligence. To create a new breed of truly smart machines, capable of collaborating usefully and safely with people, rescuing people from collapsed buildings or caring for the elderly, a number of major problems will first have to be solved.

Why is Robotics Difficult?

The world's first autonomous robotic fish have been in action atthe London Aquarium since August 2005, and attracted hundreds and thousands of visitors.

Biologically inspired by the common carp, the new exhibits can avoid objects and swim around a specially designed tank entirely of their own accord.

Read more at the BBC