Due to significant advancements in artificial intelligence, we have recently seen such robots which can perform many tasks just like human. But researchers at University of Illinois are taking things a step further as they have created ‘bio-bots’ made from actual heart cells and hydrogels.
To create these unique robots which are very tiny in size, scientists had to make use of a photosensitive pre-polymer solution. Within this liquid, they carved out a design for the bio-bots, as pre-envisioned and deliberated upon. Once the scaffolding was ready, the scientists added a sheet of heart cells to it.
Scientists used the hit and trial method to reach such a design which was viable to sustain these robots, at least for a brief period of time. Even with the best design they have come with, these robots can perform optimally for a mere three to five days. After this brief span, their ability to contract muscles diminishes.
What is very extra-ordinary about these robots is that scientists have created them from scratch and have used actual, living cells in building them. Whereas they are so tiny for now and so fragile that they may not be of much use right now, they can become very useful in the coming days.
For instance, they can be deployed for biosensing purposes, seeking out any toxic, hazardous materials in an area and if there are any, to deliver the appropriate materials to neutralize their effects.
Source: Nature
Courtesy: The Verge
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