Autonomous Movement and Wound Healing Achieved by Robots Crafted from Human Cells

Tufts University researchers have created humanoid structures from human cells, named "anthrobots." Described in Advanced Science, these bioengineered entities share characteristics with xenobots. 

Anthrobots feature cilia—hairlike protein appendages—on their surfaces, propelling them through fluids when coordinated in a beating motion. Beyond swimming, anthrobots exhibit distinct shapes and behaviors, akin to strains within a species. Remarkably, the Tufts team observes that anthrobots can initiate rudimentary wound healing in layers of human cells, suggesting potential medical applications. 

This innovative fusion of robotics and biology showcases anthrobots as mobile, behaviorally diverse entities with therapeutic possibilities, representing a noteworthy advancement in biohybrid technology.

SOURCE: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/robots-made-from-human-cells-can-move-on-their-own-and-heal-wounds/ 

CREDITS: SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN