Scientists Develop 'Neurobots': Living Robots with Functional Nervous Systems
Researchers have successfully created 'neurobots,' a new class of living robots constructed from biological cells that self-organize into systems with functional neural circuits. Reported in the journal Advanced Science, this advancement moves beyond previous bio-robots like xenobots, which relied on mechanical movements driven by anatomy. Unlike their predecessors, neurobots possess neurons that wire themselves together, enabling internal control and more complex behaviors. Developed by a team led by Tufts University biologist Michael Levin, these tiny, free-swimming assemblages represent a significant leap in bioengineering. The technology aims to help scientists understand how simple neural networks generate complex actions, serving as a foundational step toward future cyborg systems. Potential applications include precision tissue repair and environmental cleanup. Experts not involved in the study, such as synthetic biologist Kate Adamala, have praised the work for integrating true engineering components into bioengineering. This development marks a shift from merely mimicking biological forms to building robots directly out of living tissue, offering new insights into artificial life and complex systems.
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Scientists Develop 'Neurobots': Living Robots with Functional Nervous Systems
Researchers have successfully created 'neurobots,' a new class of living robots constructed from biological cells that self-organize into systems with functional neural circuits. Reported in the journal Advanced Science, this advancement moves beyond previous bio-robots like xenobots, which relied on mechanical movements driven by anatomy. Unlike their predecessors, neurobots possess neurons that wire themselves together, enabling internal control and more complex behaviors. Developed by a team led by Tufts University biologist Michael Levin, these tiny, free-swimming assemblages represent a significant leap in bioengineering. The technology aims to help scientists understand how simple neural networks generate complex actions, serving as a foundational step toward future cyborg systems. Potential applications include precision tissue repair and environmental cleanup. Experts not involved in the study, such as synthetic biologist Kate Adamala, have praised the work for integrating true engineering components into bioengineering. This development marks a shift from merely mimicking biological forms to building robots directly out of living tissue, offering new insights into artificial life and complex systems.
IEEE Spectrum