In a groundbreaking development literally mixing food and technology, scientists are merging robotics with food to create fully edible robots.
This innovative research effort, led by RoboFood researchers, has the potential to transform healthcare, environmental management, and culinary experiences.
The project, which includes experts from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), seeks to address the challenges of integrating robotics with organic, biodegradable materials.
Scientists develop edible robots from organic, biodegradable materials, revolutionizing healthcare, environmental management, and culinary experiences.Image via RoboFood
Why Scientists Are Developing Edible Robots
Edible robots are systems designed to sense their environment, process information, and perform actions, all while being safe to eat. This concept challenges the traditional notion of robots being inorganic, bulky, and non-disposable.
Instead, edible robots are made from materials that are organic, soft, and biodegradable. This innovative approach could significantly reduce electronic waste and offer new applications in various fields.
The team has discovered that materials such as gelatin can replace rubber, rice cookies can mimic foam, and chocolate film can protect robots in humid environments. Additionally, a mixture of starch and tannin can serve as a commercial glue substitute.
In 2017, EPFL scientists successfully created an edible gripper made of gelatin, capable of handling an apple and being consumed afterward. More recently, researchers developed a conductive ink containing activated carbon and Haribo gummy bears, which can be sprayed on food to monitor its growth.
In October 2022, ACS Sensors experts introduced an edible sensor designed to detect food contamination and refreezing, using food-grade materials like beeswax, salt, and red cabbage.
Another significant breakthrough came in 2023 when IIT researchers developed the first rechargeable edible battery using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and quercetin (found in almonds and capers) as the battery poles. This battery, wrapped in nori algae and packaged with beeswax, can safely operate at 0.65 volts and power a light-emitting diode for about 10 minutes.
Edible robots hold immense potential across various sectors. These robots could revolutionize precise drug delivery by ensuring that medicine is delivered directly to the required part of the body. Additionally, they could remain inside the body to monitor health, providing detailed information to doctors.
In emergencies, edible robots could autonomously deliver necessary nutrients. In agriculture, they could reduce waste by optimizing the use of resources like water and fertilizers.
The integration of technology and food could also lead to new culinary experiences, offering unique textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits.
Despite these promising advancements, several challenges remain. Ensuring that all materials used in edible robots are safe for consumption and work well together is a primary concern.
Additionally, these edible components must perform their functions as effectively as their non-edible counterparts. Cost and scalability also pose significant hurdles to the widespread adoption of edible robots.
