Scientists have created a new class of tiny robots, called eBiobots, that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and muscle tissue for real-time remote control. These innovative machines represent a major breakthrough in robotics and have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and control machines.

eBiobots are tiny, measuring only a few millimeters in size, and are made of a combination of living cells and electronic components. Instead of legs, it has two hydrogel/muscle tissue actuators, each equipped with a microLED. Between these actuators is an electronics module that includes a receiver coil. In response to an externally applied radio signal, this coil powers the LED, causing it to pulse. This light source in turn causes the musculature to contract repeatedly, moving the actuator forward.

One of the most notable benefits of these machines is their ability to be controlled remotely in real time. This can be achieved by using LEDs, which can be controlled using a remote control or computer program. The muscle tissue responds to LED signals, allowing highly precise control of the robot.

One of the most important potential applications of these machines is in medicine.

There are two main ways eBiobots can be used for medical applications: delivering drugs directly to targeted areas of the body and performing minimally invasive procedures.

First, eBiobots can be used to deliver drugs directly to specific areas of the body. The muscle tissue used in these robots can be programmed to respond to specific signals from LED lights, which will cause the muscles to contract and move the robot to a specific location. This ability to target specific areas of the body is invaluable for delivering drugs to specific cells or tissues, such as cancer cells. By delivering drugs directly to the affected area, eBiobots may reduce the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, which can damage not only cancer cells but also healthy cells.

Second, eBiobots can be used to perform minimally invasive procedures. Traditional surgery often requires large incisions to access the affected area, which can be painful and time-consuming to recover from. However, eBiobots have the potential to be used to perform much less invasive procedures. By using LED lights to control the robot's movement, surgeons can operate without making large incisions. Not only does this reduce the risk of complications, but it also shortens recovery time.

Overall, eBiobots represent a promising new technology with exciting potential applications in medicine. By delivering drugs directly to targeted areas of the body and performing minimally invasive procedures, these robots have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for invasive procedures.