Researchers have made an incredible discovery – tiny living robots built from human cells. It’s a game-changing advancement that could revolutionize the future of healthcare and more.
These groundbreaking organisms, named xenobots, were designed and built from stem cells harvested from frog embryos. Through a combination of computer models and 3D printing technology, the xenobots were created in a microscopic laboratory. Built in self-organizing systems, the xenobots can carry out complex tasks like cleaning up contaminants in water or transporting drugs.
The potential impact of these living robots is limitless. As well as being applied to medical and environmental purposes, xenobots could be used to explore difficult terrains or clean up debris in outer space. Worryingly, they have also been suggested to be used in warfare.
Scientists are rightly getting very excited about the prospect of xenobots. Such robots could be a completely new form of life and represent a major leap forward for robotics. “The idea that we can grow rather than manufacture new robots is absolutely fascinating,” said Michael Levin, an evolutionary development biologist at Tufts University.
More research is needed to learn how these living robots can be effectively used. As with any new breakthrough, there is sure to be a number of ethical issues that will need to be addressed. Nonetheless, the potential of xenobots is immense and research teams are eager to get to work.
