German scientists developed robospiders to monitor chemical activities at the accident site to help what is going on after an accident, check the toxicity levels, caution the engineers to save lives and minimize property damage. It is stated that the thin robospiders when become thick come to life and perform their job. I am unable to understand the mechanism of its working, but the concept is new to me. This appears to be better than remote cameras and sensors as these work from fixed areas whereas robospiders that crawl can detect the condition at the desired place. Details of communication between the robospider and the control room and effectiveness of communication and safety in hazardous environment are not available in the article.
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/245698/20111109/robospider-created-monitor-chemical-accidents.htm