A team of scientists has published a groundbreaking article in Nature Reviews Materials detailing the challenges and advancements in creating edible robots, suggesting that this futuristic technology might not be as far off as once thought.
Technological advancements often come in leaps and bounds, making it difficult to predict the next big breakthrough. Edible robots, though not at the top of everyone’s list, could revolutionize medical care by enabling doctors to provide extremely precise treatments through accurate internal assessments and tests.
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Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) have made significant strides toward this goal. In their new report, the RoboFood team outlines that while not all components for an edible robot are complete, some critical elements have been developed. For instance, they have successfully created a working battery made entirely from food items, capable of powering an edible robot.
“We’re excited about the possibilities this technology presents,” said Dr. Anna Schneider, lead researcher of the RoboFood project. “Our edible battery, for example, uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) and quercetin (found in almonds and capers) in the battery poles, with activated carbon to facilitate electron transport and nori algae to prevent short circuits.”
In addition to the battery, the team developed an edible gripper made from gelatin, conductive ink that senses food growth, gummy bears serving as a binder, and sensors that measure light, bending, and pH levels. The rechargeable battery, protected by beeswax, measures 1.57 inches and can produce 0.65V. Two connected batteries can power a light-emitting diode for 10 minutes while maintaining a safe voltage level.
“Creating a battery out of food items was one of our major milestones,” Dr. Schneider explained. “We can power small devices safely, opening the door to many potential medical applications.”
The idea of edible robots might seem far-fetched to some, but their potential in medical applications is immense. These robots could be ingested to perform internal diagnostics, deliver targeted treatments, or monitor specific areas within the body.
“While the concept of eating robots may sound unappetizing, the potential benefits for medical science are enormous,” Dr. Schneider noted. “Imagine a robot that can navigate to a specific part of the body, perform a task, and then safely dissolve.”
As this technology continues to develop, the possibility of integrating edible robots into medical practice becomes more tangible. Whether humans will embrace the idea of ingesting robots remains to be seen, but the scientific community is optimistic about the potential benefits.
In the meantime, researchers at EPFL continue to refine their designs and explore new applications for edible robots, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medical technology.
