Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible

In a rare confluence of engineering and food processing, Swiss scientists are working on creating robots that are fully operational as well as edible. Yes, you would be able to consume these robots towards the end of their lifespan. The seemingly unbelievable task has been taken up by the scientists at École Spéciale de Lausanne, along with researchers from other universities. Their benefits? They can significantly reduce electronic waste, deliver nutrition, medicines, and monitor health.

The RoboFood project

Under the RoboFood project, scientists aim to replace mechanical components with edible alternatives. For instance, rubber can be used in place of gelatin, rice cookies for foam and chocolate can be used to protect it from humidity.

The progress has been slow but achievements are no short of wonders. In 2017, researchers were able to create an edible gripper. In 2022, they were able to make a drone with rice cookie wings. Last year, researchers developed an edible battery using riboflavin and quercetin.

Dario Floreano, director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at EPFL and first author of the new RoboFood perspective published in Nature Review Materials, said that bringing food and robotics together is a fascinating challenge.

Challenges

The challenge is to reduce and miniaturise components. Secondly, extending the lifespan of these robots is equally important as the lack of them can severely limit their practicality.

Scientists have one more challenge to address: How to make the robot taste nice.

Another question is how humans and their companion animals will react to these reactive, edible robots. Additionally, one of the key challenges is to combine components that use electricity to function with those that use fluids and pressure to move.

(With inputs from agencies)