Living Robots

Researchers have created the first programmable living organisms using the cells of an African clawed frog — Xenopus laevis. Dubbed “xenobots,” they represent the world’s first living robots.

Less than one millimeter wide, the bots are composed of only two types of cells: skin and heart muscle. Computer algorithms are used to determine the cell configuration that will enable them to perform specific tasks, with the skin cells providing structure and the heart cells acting like motors. For example, when placed in a petri dish, a xenobot with a fork-like appendage swept up loose particles overnight. Other xenobots might be developed to work cooperatively to perform other tasks, such as transporting payloads. And because they are composed entirely of living cells, xenobots are totally biodegradable.

Applications for these living robots range from cleaning up microplastics in the ocean to creating rejection-free, targeted drug delivery systems that use robots made from a patient’s own cells. But there are many questions yet to be addressed, such as whether or not living robots will develop the capability to reproduce or change function. Going forward, a multidisciplinary approach — one that includes the involvement of applied ethicists — is warranted to ensure safety.