Student Article
U.S. Lab Creates Living Robots That Are Capable of Self-Replicating
Replicate (verb): To make copies of something.
Simulation (noun): A computer program that imitates real-life processes.
Biodegradable (adjective): Able to be broken down by natural processes.
Microplastics (noun): Tiny pieces of plastic that pollute the environment.
Scientists have created tiny living robots called xenobots that can replicate themselves. Let's explore how these fascinating robots work and what they can do.
Meet the xenobots
A team of researchers in the U.S. recently developed xenobots, tiny living robots made from frog cells that can replicate themselves. These Pac-Man-shaped robots could help clean the environment or design personalized medical treatments.
Designed by computers, powered by cells
The project began as a collaboration between developmental biologists and roboticists. Using computer simulations, scientists designed the shapes of the xenobots. They chose frog heart cells because they can move and change shape, which allow for a xenobot to walk or swim using the cells.
Smaller than a grain of sand
To create the xenobots, scientists harvest cells from frog eggs and shape them using special tools. The xenobots are less than a millimeter across, smaller than a grain of sand. They can move around and push other cells into piles, creating new xenobots.
Big ideas for tiny bots
Xenobots are self-powered and biodegradable, making them suitable for various applications. In the future, they could help clean up microplastics in lakes or deliver medicine inside the body. Scientists are excited about the potential of these tiny robots.
© Jason Goodyer / Our Media
Replicate (verb): To make copies of something.
Simulation (noun): A computer program that imitates real-life processes.
Biodegradable (adjective): Able to be broken down by natural processes.
Microplastics (noun): Tiny pieces of plastic that pollute the environment.