In Australia, Friend attacked the problem of getting into the body from a different direction, namely by making a tiny motor that could propel another device--such as a camera.

FORBES: Breakthroughs

Next up, you'll be pulling the plastic filaments up from the spools, through two tubes and into holes at the top of the Stepstruder's head, holding it there for a few seconds, until the device's motor begins tugging at the strip.

ENGADGET: MakerBot Replicator impressions: the dawning of 3D printers in every home?

The capacitive buttons are ultra-responsive like the ones we experienced on the older Focus models, and the device's vibration motor left us with unquestionably better haptic feedback than the Lumia 900.

ENGADGET: Samsung Focus 2 review Mobile

But until recently they have suffered from a low power-to-weight ratio, unlike the other sort of room-temperature fuel cell, the temperamental and costly proton-exchange-membrane device, which several firms hope soon to use in motor cars.

ECONOMIST: Clean living in Iceland

One new device, the iWalk prosthetic foot and ankle, uses a chip-controlled motor to propel amputees forward in the latest step toward robotic legs.

WSJ: Boston Marathon Amputees Face New Reality

The list includes the use of a Kinect camera and PC for physical rehabilitation, the 3D printing of embedded electrical technologies, a Lego set that helps bridge the gap between crustacean and robot and a device that employs an Arduino board and video games to help stroke victims recover motor skills.

ENGADGET

The device instructs a patient to breathe at the correct speed, and a microprocessor-controlled motor squeezes the desired dose of insulin through microscopic holes on a mouthpiece, generating a fine aerosol.

FORBES: Waiting to Inhale

In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the LF-CC hybrid drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance battery, a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

ENGADGET: Lexus LF-CC Concept shows the future of touchscreen interiors