Revolutionary Living Robots That Self-Replicate Using AI-Optimized Designs

Scientists have harnessed artificial intelligence to develop living robots that reproduce through an unprecedented biological process unlike any found in nature.

Researchers in the United States have pioneered the creation of the world's first living robots, known as xenobots, which demonstrate the extraordinary ability to self-replicate—not by traditional plant or animal reproduction methods, but via a novel mechanism entirely their own.

Xenobots are crafted from stem cells harvested from the African clawed frog. Each tiny robot measures approximately one millimeter and is composed of around 3,000 cells. These living machines can move autonomously, cooperate collectively, and rapidly regenerate damaged parts. Now, they have also mastered a new form of reproduction unseen in any known organism.

Stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells capable of transforming into specialized cell types, serve as the building blocks for xenobots. Scientists extracted these cells from frog embryos and allowed them to self-organize naturally into functional living robots.

Initially, xenobots were spherical, but researchers observed rare instances where they reproduced through kinetic replication—a process typically observed at the molecular level but never before documented at the scale of whole cells or organisms.

Employing artificial intelligence, the team simulated billions of body shape variations to optimize reproductive efficiency. The AI identified that a C-shaped design, reminiscent of the iconic Pac-Man character, was most effective. This shape enables xenobots to collect individual stem cells scattered in a petri dish and cluster hundreds of them together. Over several days, these clusters develop into new xenobots, effectively allowing the parent xenobot to 'assemble' its offspring.

This process is not traditional programming; the AI does not issue coded commands to the organisms. Instead, it modifies their physical form, which in turn alters their behavior—their shape essentially becomes their program.

Although xenobot research remains in its early stages without immediate practical uses, experts believe this innovative fusion of molecular biology and AI holds immense potential. Future applications may include collecting microplastics from oceans, monitoring plant root systems, and advancing regenerative medicine techniques.

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