What's creepier than a robotic insect?

Aside from the fact that they’re robots, these little insects have an ability that makes them far superior, although no less creepy, than their biological counterparts. They are able to easily recover from multiple attacks with a fly swatter and keep moving as if nothing went wrong.

Developed by researchers at EPFL, the DEAnsects have soft bodies and use artificial muscles about the width of a human hair in order to propel themselves forward. These artificial muscles, also known as dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), allow them to move at about 3 centimeters per second.

The researchers were able to develop both tethered and untethered versions of the DEAnsect, with the former weighing in at less than one gram. The next step in their development is to find a way to add tiny sensors so that they can communicate with each other, creating an indestructible swarm of tiny robots.