Robots are being used in increasingly complicated and demanding tasks, often in environments that are complex or even hostile. Underwater, space and volcano exploration are just some of the activities that robots are taking part in, mainly because the environments that are being explored are dangerous for humans. Robots can also inhabit dynamic environments, for example to operate among humans, not just in factories, but also taking on more active roles. Recently, for instance, they have made their way into the home entertainment market. Given the variety of situations that robots will be...