The Fifth International Symposium on Distributed Autonomous Robotic Systems (DARS 2000) dealt with new strategies to realize complex, modular, robust, and fault-tolerant robotic systems. Technologies, algorithms, and system architectures for distributed autonomous robotic systems were presented and discussed during the meeting. DARS 2000 was truly an international event, with participants represent ing eleven countries from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. All of the papers in this volume were presented at DARS 2000, and were selected on the basis of peer re views to ensure quality and relevance. These papers have the common goal of con tributing solutions to realize robust and intelligent multirobot systems. The topics of the symposium address a wide range of issues that are important in the development of decentralized robotic systems. These topics include architec tures, communication, biological inspirations, reconfigurable robots, localization, exploration and mapping, distributed sensing, multi robot motion coordination, tar get assignment and tracking, multirobot learning, and cooperative object transport. DARS clearly requires a broad area of interdisciplinary technologies related not only to robotics and computer engineering, but also to biology and psychology. The DARS symposium is the leading established conference on distributed au tonomous systems. The First, Second, and Third International Symposia on Distrib uted Autonomous Robotic Systems (DARS '92, DARS '94, and DARS '96) were held at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Saitama, Japan."

The Fifth International Symposium on Distributed Autonomous Robotic Systems (DARS 2000) dealt with new strategies to realize complex, modular, robust, and fault-tolerant robotic systems. Technologies, algorithms, and system architectures for distributed autonomous robotic systems were presented and discussed during the meeting. DARS 2000 was truly an international event, with participants represent ing eleven countries from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. All of the papers in this volume were presented at DARS 2000, and were selected on the basis of peer re views to ensure quality and relevance. These papers have the common goal of con tributing solutions to realize robust and intelligent multirobot systems. The topics of the symposium address a wide range of issues that are important in the development of decentralized robotic systems. These topics include architec tures, communication, biological inspirations, reconfigurable robots, localization, exploration and mapping, distributed sensing, multi robot motion coordination, tar get assignment and tracking, multirobot learning, and cooperative object transport. DARS clearly requires a broad area of interdisciplinary technologies related not only to robotics and computer engineering, but also to biology and psychology. The DARS symposium is the leading established conference on distributed au tonomous systems. The First, Second, and Third International Symposia on Distrib uted Autonomous Robotic Systems (DARS '92, DARS '94, and DARS '96) were held at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Saitama, Japan."

When an unstable power is unleashed upon the worlds the Earth is left to tremble under the weight of deception, as the pieces move across the board towards an inevitable and destructive war with only the hands of evil to play with them. Deceit is unmasked, mistrust begins to fester and curiosity that rises in so few risks being torn away as everything is left without the protection of the light. As lies begin to be untold, the passage of death is born to the Earth in silent horror as the fingers of the Devil reach into each and every soul of humankind with no sign of peace to lead them to safety. It matters only to one being that there is salvation and yet with his will broken beyond repair the Earth faces the birth of never ending darkness entirely alone with only dust to suffocate their fragile hope for deliverance.

As a lone carriage makes its uncertain way across the breadth of Hell, the creatures of darkness begin to stir to answer their master's call. An enemy that will define the future of all the worlds has been unleashed on Earth which could threaten their very existence unless they unite. They answer the call with evil intent in their hearts to vanquish that which threatens their world, but will they be able to put aside disharmony, war and hatred that thrives between them to fight for their lives or will the challenge of finally meeting their creator be too much to overcome selfish greed. In a world that exists on bargain and wagers it is life on Earth which meets the highest price unless someone can steal it first. The first in a five part story which invites you to finally meet your creator.