Living Robots Reproduce in a Unique Way

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In summary, scientists have created tiny living robots called xenobots that are able to reproduce in a unique way unlike any other animal or plant known to science. However, there is no need to worry as they are only made from frog stem cells and cannot replicate outside of a lab environment.
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berkeman
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I'm still trying to figure out if this is good or bad...

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(CNN)The US scientists who created the first living robots say the life forms, known as xenobots, can now reproduce -- and in a way not seen in plants and animals.

Formed from the stem cells of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) from which it takes its name, xenobots are less than a millimeter (0.04 inches) wide. The tiny blobs were first unveiled in 2020 after experiments showed that they could move, work together in groups and self-heal.

Now the scientists that developed them at the University of Vermont, Tufts University and Harvard University's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering said they have discovered an entirely new form of biological reproduction different from any animal or plant known to science.

"I was astounded by it," said Michael Levin, a professor of biology and director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University who was co-lead author of the new research
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/29/americas/xenobots-self-replicating-robots-scn/index.html
 
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Nothing to be worried about really. They're just groups of frog stem cells. Let them loose in a puddle and they will quickly get eaten or otherwise die. No way they could replicate outside of a lab either, as they literally just scoop up loose stem cells which then form another 'machine'.
 
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1. How do living robots reproduce?

Living robots reproduce through a process called "budding," where a new robot grows out of the body of an existing robot. This is similar to how some plants and animals reproduce asexually.

2. What makes this method of reproduction unique?

This method of reproduction is unique because it is the first time that robots have been able to self-replicate without the use of external materials or instructions. They have the ability to grow and develop on their own, much like living organisms.

3. Are these living robots considered a form of artificial life?

Yes, these living robots are considered a form of artificial life. They have the ability to self-replicate and evolve, which are key characteristics of living organisms.

4. Can living robots evolve and adapt to their environment?

Yes, living robots have the ability to evolve and adapt to their environment. They are programmed with algorithms that allow them to learn and make decisions based on their surroundings.

5. What potential applications could living robots have in the future?

Living robots could have a variety of applications in the future, including environmental clean-up, medical procedures, and space exploration. They could also be used in industries such as manufacturing and transportation.

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