Decius wrote:

Swarms of robots that use electromagnetic forces to cling together and assume different shapes are being developed by US researchers.

The grand goal is to create swarms of microscopic robots capable of morphing into virtually any form by clinging together.

Give them an ability to reproduce and you got Stargate SG-1's Replicators. Scary scifi.

RE: Shape-shifting robot forms from magnetic swarm - tech - 29 January 2008 - New Scientist Tech