Scientists have developed a new form of “robot” that is constructed entirely of live cells rather than metal, plastic, or wiring. They have called it “Xenobots”.

According to a computer scientist and robotics expert at the University of Vermont, Joshua Bongard, “These are novel living machines. They are neither a traditional robot nor a known species of animal. It is a new class of artifact: a living, programmable organism.”

Although the new “lifeforms” are relatively small than a pinhead, they can execute specific tasks. One of the living robots has two limbs to use to move through water, while another has a pocket that may be used to transport some very little cargo. They could employ these qualities to carry medicine in patients’ bodies.

To guide the emergence of Xenobots, the researchers developed an “evolutionary algorithm,” which simulates the process of natural selection. They provided the robot with an objective, such as moving in one direction. They then allowed it to virtually construct the simulated cells in various forms repeatedly until the skill was learned.

In addition, the scientists created the Xenobots using the skin and heart muscle cells of an African clawed frog or Xenopus Laevis, inspired by the AI’s design.

Watch how the University of Vermont and Tufts Team build the first living robots here:

Source: https://www.uvm.edu/news/story/team-builds-first-living-robots, https://www.pnas.org/content/117/4/1853