NASA building "flying" linux robot

[Alan Dayley]

It's a robot ball that can "fly" in zero gravity environments.  Pretty
cool!  And, it runs Linux.  From the article:

"Ames researchers are using off-the-shelf parts to help keep costs down.
The robot's computer is a PentiumŪ III running Linux, and the six ducted
fans it uses for propulsion are commercial products made for model
airplanes. Even the infrared distance sensors it uses to avoid collisions
are pre-made sensors similar to those in auto-flush toilets!"

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast23jul%5F1.htm

Alan