The next robot crawling through your gut could be a gummi bear

The future of robotics is decidedly squishy. We've already seen gel-based 'bots that can catch fish, mimic octopi and even ones that can keep your heart pumping. And, if the researchers from Switzerland's EPFL are successful, they could soon be crawling around in our intestines as well.

Specifically, the EPFL team has developed a gelatinous actuator, the component of robots that make them move. And rather than rely on a mechanical motor or external power source, these actuators use liquids and air that react to chemicals. Each segmented actuator is roughly 4 cm in length and, as you can see in the image above, curl to one side when activated. This allows a single actuator to crawl -- inchworm-style -- through the digestive tract or, working in tandem, create a crude gripper. These actuators can also be paired with small digestible batteries, cameras and sensor equipment, all of which is already available, to create a truly edible robot.

www.engadget.com...

And this could also end up being the ultimate spy bot! Imagine someone slipping this VIA fast food!

a reply to: phatkhat
Can the 'victim' feel the crawling, grabbing gummybot?

That would send ya. Ahhh! Its from Alien, whens it going to burst out of my chest!?

a reply to: phatkhat

I bet the CIA has already hacked them.... Womp Womp

originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: phatkhat
Can the 'victim' feel the crawling, grabbing gummybot?

That would send ya. Ahhh! Its from Alien, whens it going to burst out of my chest!?

can you feel food moving through your digestive tract?

a reply to: phatkhat

Ah, yes. It's the little stuff that's getting really interesting!

...Especially when they swarm.

originally posted by: TinySickTears

originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: phatkhat
Can the 'victim' feel the crawling, grabbing gummybot?

That would send ya. Ahhh! Its from Alien, whens it going to burst out of my chest!?

can you feel food moving through your digestive tract?

ummm, just the farts...

Those would be even scarier than the terminator.

originally posted by: phatkhat


Imagine someone slipping this VIA fast food!

Haha! This is really cool Sci-fi topic. With the fiction suggested in probable near reality. The picture we can make is vague as the truth - humanity is nuts. Were all schizos! Technozombification - One of the best topics lately SnF can't wait to see the culmination of this opera. WW3 will be nothing in comparison...