Robotics is still in its infancy, but the race is on to build machines that will serve their human masters obediently and efficiently. Japan, for instance, is banking on a humanoid future - for economic survival and to care for its ageing population. It’s potentially the stuff of science fiction... and definitely that of technology, physics, citizenship... (page 12). This week’s Teacher is full to bursting with ideas: from DNA sampling on page 6 to beaks, claws and brainy birds on 19. And there are plenty of hair-brained ideas to get you in the mood for Comic Relief. Yes, March 14 is Red Nose Day and big hair is on the agenda (page 16).