Scientists Create Living Cell-Based Neurobots Capable of Independent Movement

Researchers from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, in collaboration with colleagues, have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in the creation of new biological constructs referred to as neurobots. These minuscule living robots, crafted from frog embryo cells, exhibit the ability to autonomously manage their movement and behavior, making them more sophisticated compared to earlier models.

Neurobots differ significantly from traditional robots made of metal or silicon, as well as from previous bio-robots that had limited movement capabilities due to cilia on their surfaces. By incorporating nerve cells that self-organize into networks, neurobots can alter their shape and display a variety of movements, representing a significant milestone in biomedical research.

The study of neurobots builds upon earlier work with xenobots—simple structures made from frog skin cells that could move in liquid but lacked an internal control system. Researchers aimed to enhance these bio-robots by integrating a nervous system. To achieve this, they introduced precursor cells for neurons at an early stage of the bio-robots' development, which over time transformed into neurons that interconnected with each other and with cells responsible for movement.

Following this enhancement, neurobots began to exhibit notable differences from their simpler counterparts. They became more elongated, active, and capable of more complex movements, indicating that the nervous system indeed influences their behavior. Lead researcher Galekh Fotovat noted that the addition of a nervous system alters not only the shape but also the functions of neurobots, making them more active and capable of more sophisticated behaviors.

During experiments, scientists also investigated how neurons affect the movement of neurobots. They utilized a compound that alters signal transmission between nerve cells. The response of the neurobots was significantly different from that of conventional bio-robots, underscoring the crucial role of the nervous system in their behavior.

Moreover, researchers recorded unexpected changes in gene activity, particularly those associated with the development of the visual system in frogs. This may hint at the potential emergence of new sensory functions in the future, although this remains speculative at this stage. Donald Ingber, the director of the institute, emphasized that such developments open a new avenue in biomedical research and could enhance our understanding of fundamental biological processes, as well as pave the way for new approaches in medicine.