In order to understand how volcanic eruptions occur, Dr Carolyn Parcheta has developed a wall-climbing robot to map volcanic vents. Powered with a Raspberry Pi, the robot is attached with an umbilical for data and power and is then lowered into the vent. It then uses some kind of 3D mapping technology to build up a 3D picture of the vent. Thanks to the the Raspberry Pi Foundation for this story which it covered on their blog.