The bugs and the bots

VIDEO CNN's James Hattori says scientists at two California universities are modeling small-robot designs on bug behavior (September 25) PLAY VIDEO

(CNN) -- They are one of the fastest and most despised insects on earth. But in the eye of some scientists, cockroaches are fascinating critters that can run and maneuver effortlessly over obstacles.

These six-legged creatures are models for building robots that could be used for future planetary rovers for NASA or finding land mines for the military.

James Hattori takes a look at the bugs and the bots.

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