Each robot we’ve seen to date and managed to keep our mouth open was actually a machine made by combining several components. But these new ‘living robots’, which emerged with the combination of artificial intelligence and biology, have become the greatest proof of how far technology can advance. Robot scientists announced the new robots they called ‘xenobot’ last week. These robots are life forms made of stem cells. Robot organisms were produced with cells named ‘Xenopus laevis’ from frogs. The name ‘xeno’ already comes from these cells. Neither a robot nor a living thing: These robots, which come before us as a result of studies, are neither a traditional robot nor an organic animal. These robots are living and programmable organisms. Xenobots are less than 1 millimeter in length and accommodate between 500-1,000 living cells. The shapes of the xenobots are not similar. These robots can move, collaborate as a group, and move small objects. The life of Xenobots cannot exceed 10 days. Let’s take a look at how these robots will be discussed in the future. How were living robots produced? The researchers got help from supercomputers to produce Xenobots. In these supercomputers, simple living organisms with thousands of different designs that can perform certain jobs were tested. Computers calculated what organism can perform which job by using the “evolutionary algorithm”. After selecting the most functional designs, the researchers set out to reproduce virtual models with frog skin and heart cells. Although the xenobots that emerged as a result of all the studies were called “programmable living robots”, they were in fact organisms with completely organic and living tissue. Xenobots can be put into any shape or form. That’s why they are called a ‘robot’. On the other hand, it is ‘programmable’ because they can perform certain functions. Xenobots can repair themselves when they are damaged. Xenobots are said to have many uses today. It can help people in many areas, from separating the oceans from microplastics to accessing radioactive and dangerous areas. In fact, these organisms can be used to transport certain drugs to the human body. So what do you think about these studies? To what extent do you think people are right to change certain cells for their own benefit? Do you think such transactions may pose a problem in the future? You can specify your ideas in the comments section.
