We all know that currently combat is a bit crap but one of the design issues with making it better is that if you make it too complicated defence could become too frustrating.

This could be solved without major problems by making the aliens more interesting on defence but similar when attacking ...

I have seen some ideas for early robots but they are usually ridiculous for the stage of the game they are suggested for but I have a simple yet complicated if you want in to be idea that also actually fills some automation holes in the early/mid game.

The idea is the mover inserter
The basic ...

simple idea of a late game miner that needs a constant large supply of lubricant to function

Why have in game?
Purely for the logistical challenge of trying to get lubricant to far off mines

As for why you would go out of your way to build such a thing there are all sort of rewards it could have ...

BASIC FUNCTION
Slowly travels up and down the belt its put next to, reverses direction when it hits an end point or another belt saw, can turn corners.

Cuts/damages anything within a several block range (5 maybe 7), is damaged itself if it hits anything other than a tree.

Will put any cut down ...