Termes Robots

[OjnoTheRed]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Termite-inspired_robots

In relation to Traveller: playing T5 right now, these would be easy to insert using ThingMaker as a guide (say at TL9), and then imagine how dumping a bunch of these in a hostile environment could build a shelter. At higher tech levels, may even build a shelter with local raw materials not imported bricks. At "magic" tech levels, these are nanobots that do huge custom jobs in completely reconfiguring environments.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Very, very cool concept for a Trav campaign.
They could be put to use for doing EVAs to repair ships' hulls and not require any crew to be taken from their posts. Perhaps like tiny, swarm-like versions of astromech droids from Star Wars.
Or tasked with security to combat hijacking attempts or pirates onboard.