Alt-week 8.3.13: giant robot 'crabsters,' walking planes and a year on Mars

Alt-week takes a look at the best science and alternative tech stories from the last seven days. We didn't intend for there to be a theme this week, but there is. It's been all about unusual craft this last seven days. Whether it's nature-inspired sea drones, interplanetary exploration, or walking planes, ground control isn't calling Major Tom, it's gone way weirder that. This is alt-week.