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Tiny Robots Powered by Living Muscle Cells

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the robots-doing-laps dept.

voma writes "Tiny robots powered by living muscle have been created by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles. The devices were formed by "growing" rat cells on microscopic silicon chips, the researchers report in the journal Nature Materials. Less than a millimetre long, the miniscule robots can move themselves without any external source of power. Muscles like these could be used in a host of microscopic devices - even to drive miniature electrical generators to power computer chips."

6 of 224 comments (clear)

  1. No external power source? Lies! by stratjakt · · Score: 5, Funny

    There's no external power source, because these things EAT OLD PEOPLES MEDICINE FOR FUEL!

    I don't know why the scientists keep inventing them.

    And when they grab you in their metal claws, you can't escape, because they're made of metal.

    --
    I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
  2. Please excuse me... by oldave · · Score: 4, Funny

    for a moment, while I feed my computer.

  3. Re:No external power source? Lies! by afstanton · · Score: 5, Funny

    Gee, I initially read that as "these things EAT OLD PEOPLE FOR FUEL!" Now *that* would solve the Social Security problem...

    --
    Reject Fear - Embrace Hope
  4. Great by FJ · · Score: 4, Funny

    Now I need to worry about keeping my computer in shape as well as myself.

  5. Re:sounds kinda creepy by nizo · · Score: 4, Funny

    Self replicating bots that rebuild nerves/bones/muscle, or self replicating bots that tear apart nerves/bones/muscles, take your pick. Or maybe tiny bots that hunt down and convert evilbots into other good hunterbots. I dub this new "game" Biocorewars.

    --
    I Am My Own Worst Enemy
  6. Re:Dry Machines by YoeyYoeyYoey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Bender