Student Article
U.S. Lab Creates Living Robots That Are Capable of Self-Replicating
Robot (noun): A machine that can do tasks.
Cell (noun): The basic building block of living things.
Simulation (noun): A computer program that imitates real-life processes.
Scientists have made tiny robots from frog cells that can make copies of themselves. Let's learn about these amazing xenobots!
Meet the xenobots
Scientists in the U.S. have created tiny living robots called xenobots. These robots are made from frog cells and can make copies of themselves. Xenobots are shaped like Pac-Man and can help clean the environment or design special medical treatments.
Designed by computers, powered by cells
The scientists started by using computer simulations to design the shapes of the xenobots. They used frog heart cells because they can move and change shape. The xenobots can walk and swim using these cells.
Smaller than a grain of sand
To make the xenobots, scientists take cells from frog eggs and shape them using special tools. The xenobots are tiny, smaller than a grain of sand. They can move around and push other cells into piles, making new xenobots.
Big ideas for tiny bots
In the future, xenobots could help clean up lakes or deliver medicine inside the body. Scientists are excited to see what else these tiny robots can do!
© Jason Goodyer / Our Media
Robot (noun): A machine that can do tasks.
Cell (noun): The basic building block of living things.
Simulation (noun): A computer program that imitates real-life processes.