DARPA has set a new challenge to roboticists: build a machine that can drive a car, clamber into a ruined building, find humans, and extract them without causing further injury. How have the world's best robotics engineers responded?

Plus look at ways to make a smarter, tougher electricity grid, and attempt to break the sound barrier - on land - in a new Aussie rocket car.

Then, we'll show you how to build the ultimate workshop for less than you might think, consider space truckin' on the moon, drive-by-wire a new car, and be alarmed by an 80 km/h baby stroller.

All in our Feb 2013 edition, on sale now! Get into it!