Experts at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) confirm the development of gelatin-based actuators. Dario Floreano, the director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, says that he develops a robot, and will soon introduce it to the health sector. The work is born out of a challenge to create something new. However, Floreano will create colonies of edible robots using gelatin as he believes that this technology could shape the future of medical science.
Why do we need edible robots?
About two years ago, Jun Shintake from the University of Oxford visited Dario Floreano and showed interest in bio-inspired robots.
Floreano says that this newly developed robot has very different characteristics. It could be used to treat patients and will serve as a store in-charge. Moreover, the edible robot will deliver automated medication and may carry pharmaceutical components to locations where doctors want them to have effects. The research indicates that robots will provide better services in the field of medicine. Previously, scientists at MIT created an origami robot using pig intestines to capture and remove harmful swallowed items, like batteries. The creation of edible robot is part of Dario Floreano’s ongoing research, and he says that such robots will be developed in different sizes and shapes. Once inside the body, edible robot leverages non-toxic batteries designed as part of the growing field of electronics.
At the same time, it will serve as a nurse in ICU. He says that the robots will be used as an animal's prey to observe its hunting behavior, and will train protected animals to do predation.
Creation of better robots in the future
Dr. Dario Floreano teams up with experts at the École hôtelière de Lausanne to create better-tasting robots.
He says that people know killer robots, robot assistants, and robots working as sexual partners, but no one ever thought of edible robots. It is very strange to develop gelo actuators, but Dario believes that these biological systems could serve better than a hospital nurse. He will develop the limbs of these gelatinous robots and will create their bodies with soft material rather than solid components such as metal. The research will contribute to the development of non-toxic batteries, and edible electronics. But Dr. Dario and his team need more time to accomplish the project.
