Supported by the UK-based Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the USA-based National Science Foundation (NSF), a tiny prototype humanoid robot is being developed for the detection of human diseases.
A Sea Lamprey mouth, close up
Cyberplasm is being developed by integrating advanced microelectronics with recent observations in biomimicry. Cyberplasm will include an electronic nervous system such as ‘eye’ and ‘nose’ sensors derived from mammalian cells and artificial muscles wherein glucose acts as an energy source. Components that respond to light and chemicals similar to biological systems will be incorporated to the robot.
Designed to mimic the activities of the sea lamprey, Cyberplasm is expected to be dynamic and highly sensitive to its working environment. Due to its primitive nervous system, easily adaptable features, and excellent swimming capability, the sea lamprey was considered the best optional prototype to create Cyberplasm. With ability to swim, it can be used to detect a wide range of diseases within a human body, in future. The Cyberplasm prototype will be compact, measuring less than 1cm in length. Further upgrades can be made on a nanoscale.
The sensors to be incorporated in Cyberplasm should be capable of responding to external stimuli. The transformed electronic impulses will then be transmitted to an electronic ‘brain’ containing advanced microchips. The electronic messages will then be transmitted to the artificial muscles via brain. The robot, when developed using such sensors can easily and safely travel in an undulating motion.
These systems can also collect and store the data based on the chemical framework of the robot’s operating area. Future application of Cyberplasm includes advanced prosthetics based on light waves or electronic signal stimulation.