Remote Control: Harnessing the Power of LEDs and Muscle Tissue with Tiny eBiobots for Unparalleled Real-Time Performance
Introduction:
In 2012, scientists at the University of Illinois developed tiny biped “biobot” robots that used muscle tissue to walk. Now, these biobots have been upgraded with LEDs, allowing for remote steering. The original biobots had a 3D-printed hydrogel body with a spine and legs. The second version incorporated mouse spinal muscle tissue, which contracted when exposed to an electrical field, enabling the robots to walk in a straight line. In 2016, a third version added light-sensitive muscle tissue, allowing for left and right turns. The latest version, called eBiobot, features LED-equipped muscle-tissue actuators that can be controlled by an external radio signal. This breakthrough technology merges biology and electronics, making it useful for medical, sensing, and environmental applications.
Full Article: Remote Control: Harnessing the Power of LEDs and Muscle Tissue with Tiny eBiobots for Unparalleled Real-Time Performance
eBiobots: Remote-Controlled Robots with Muscle Tissue Walk and Turn
In a significant development, researchers at the University of Illinois have created eBiobots, an advanced version of the original biobots that were designed to walk and now have the ability to turn as well. These eBiobots are remote-controlled robots equipped with LEDs. The incorporation of LEDs allows the robots to be steered in a practical manner.
The original biobots, developed in 2012, were tiny biped robots that used muscle tissue to walk. They had a 3D-printed soft hydrogel body with a horizontal spine and two vertical legs. The first models used heart tissue within the spine, while the next version utilized a piece of mouse spinal muscle tissue. The muscle tissue would contract when exposed to an external pulsating electrical field, causing the legs to alternately step forward and enabling the biobots to walk in a straight line.
In 2016, a third version of the biobots was introduced, incorporating a ring of bioengineered light-sensitive mouse muscle tissue. By aiming an external blue light source at one side of the biobot, the tissue on that side would contract, allowing the robot to turn left or right. However, this approach was not practical as it required the bot to remain in places where the light could reach it.
The latest version, the eBiobot, presents a unique solution. Instead of legs, the eBiobot has two hydrogel/muscle-tissue actuators, each equipped with a microLED. Between the actuators is an electronics module with a receiver coil. An externally applied radio signal powers up the LEDs, causing them to pulse. This pulsating light source triggers the muscle tissue to contract, propelling the actuator forward.
The signal modulation allows both LEDs to be illuminated simultaneously or either one individually. This innovation enables the eBiobot to move forward or turn left or right without requiring an external light source for illumination.
The integration of microelectronics in the eBiobot combines the benefits of the biological and electronic worlds, offering potential applications in medical, sensing, and environmental fields. According to Prof. Rashid Bashir, the lead researcher, and Prof. John A. Rogers from Northwestern University, the eBiobots have the potential to revolutionize various industries.
The research on eBiobots has been published in the journal Science Robotics. In the accompanying video, you can witness the eBiobots in action.
Overall, this groundbreaking development in robotics opens up new possibilities for the use of bio-inspired technology in various fields.
Summary: Remote Control: Harnessing the Power of LEDs and Muscle Tissue with Tiny eBiobots for Unparalleled Real-Time Performance
In 2012, scientists developed tiny biped robots that used muscle tissue to walk. Now, these robots have been upgraded with LEDs, allowing them to be remotely controlled. The new version, called eBiobot, features hydrogel/muscle-tissue actuators with microLEDs and an electronics module with a receiver coil. When a radio signal is applied, the LEDs pulse and cause the muscle tissue to contract, enabling the eBiobot to move. This advancement in technology combines the biological and electronic worlds, offering potential applications in medicine, sensing, and the environment. The research was led by Prof. Rashid Bashir from the University of Illinois and Prof. John A. Rogers from Northwestern University.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How does robotics play a role in various industries?
Answer: Robotics is revolutionizing various industries by performing tasks that were once deemed difficult or dangerous for humans. In manufacturing, robots increase efficiency and precision, leading to higher production rates and improved product quality. They are also utilized in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and even space exploration.
2. What are the main components of a typical robotic system?
Answer: A typical robotic system consists of several key components. These include the manipulator or mechanical arm, which performs the physical tasks, such as picking, placing, or welding. The controller serves as the brain of the system, providing instructions to the robot. Sensors are used to gather information from the environment, enabling the robot to make informed decisions. Lastly, the end effector is the tool attached to the robot’s arm, allowing it to interact with objects.
3. How are robots programmed and controlled?
Answer: Robots can be programmed and controlled through various methods. The most common approach is using software and programming languages specifically designed for robotics. This allows operators to define the robot’s tasks and movements. Additionally, robots can be programmed through teach pendants, where operators physically guide the robot through a desired path, which is then recorded and repeated. In some cases, advanced robots are capable of learning through artificial intelligence algorithms.
4. What are the benefits of incorporating robotics into the workforce?
Answer: There are several advantages to integrating robotics into the workforce. Firstly, robots can handle monotonous and repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers for more complex and creative work. This can increase productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction. Secondly, robots can perform tasks that are hazardous or physically demanding, thereby reducing the risk of injury to human workers. Furthermore, automated processes often lead to improved accuracy and consistency in production.
5. What is the future outlook for robotics?
Answer: The future of robotics looks promising, with continuous advancements being made in the field. As technology continues to evolve, robots are becoming more sophisticated, intelligent, and capable of performing intricate tasks. Collaborative robots, known as cobots, are increasingly being integrated into work environments, promoting interaction between humans and robots. Additionally, the expansion of artificial intelligence and machine learning is expected to lead to robots that can adapt and learn on their own. The potential applications of robotics are vast and will continue to shape industries and our daily lives.
