Authorities will use robot to open letter sent to Sen. Leahy
By Kevin Johnson
USA TODAY
WASHINGTON -- Desperate to preserve evidence that might identify the source of lethal anthrax attacks, government scientists will use a small robot to open a suspicious letter addressed to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., a senior law enforcement official said Wednesday.
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Authorities obtained the robot only recently. Officials did not immediately describe how it works or where it was manufactured but indicated it was being tested in mock trials this week.
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With the mechanical device, authorities hope to create a highly controlled environment for examination of the letter, which is so toxic that it is believed to have contaminated more than 50 of 630 bags of letters seized last month from Capitol Hill mailrooms.
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ZDNet |UK| - News - Story - Robotic system can make other robots

08:59 Thursday 31st August 2000
Reuters

American study produces robotic system that can generate 'offspring'
Cheaply produced robots that can perform mundane chores may be a step closer thanks to American scientists who have made a robotic system that can for the first time design and construct other robots.
The system operates with almost no human intervention.
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