00:00Chinese scientists have developed a robot that functions with a tiny, human-like brain.
00:18This remarkable feat combines advanced robotics with biological engineering, setting a new
00:22milestone in scientific innovation.
00:28At the core of this robot lies a lab-grown brain organoid, a cluster of cells connected
00:33to a computer chip that interacts with the nervous system.
00:36Often referred to as a brain-on-a-chip, this setup emulates human brain functions.
00:44With the help of sensors and an AI algorithm, the robot can move, grasp objects, and navigate
00:50obstacles with impressive accuracy.
00:53The researchers have noted that the brain exhibits intelligence similar to that of a
00:56human.
00:57It autonomously controls the robot's movements, opening up potential future applications for
01:02repairing brain damage and treating neurological disorders.
01:09To create this brain, the Chinese scientists used stem cells, which they integrated with
01:13a computer chip.
01:15This chip sends instructions to the robot's body, allowing it to move, avoid obstacles,
01:20and track targets.
01:21The robot's body is a blend of human cells and computer technology, functioning together
01:26to mimic a human brain.
01:31Researchers at Tianjin University developed this machine using brain-computer interfaces,
01:35or BCI.
01:37These interfaces merge the electrical signals from the brain with computer chips, kind of
01:41like the technology behind Elon Musk's Neuralink chip.
01:45Neuralink's device enables a human to control a computer with their mind, utilizing a custom
01:49chip that processes signals and transmits them via Bluetooth.
01:53However, the Chinese team has not disclosed their method of signal transmission to the
01:57organoid.
02:01To build their living machine, the team employed pluripotent stem cells from early embryonic
02:06development.
02:07These cells formed organoids that differentiated into various brain cell types, including tissue.
02:12Ming Dong, the study's lead author, explained that these organoids are small, self-organizing,
02:18three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells.
02:21These cultures can replicate the complexity of an organ or specific aspects of it, such
02:25as producing certain cell types.
02:28Scientists cultivate the stem cells for about a month until they develop features like neurons.
02:33The exact method of training the organoid to recognize when the robot should perform
02:36specific tasks remains undisclosed.
02:43The team acknowledged that the technology faces challenges like low developmental maturity
02:48and insufficient nutrient supply, which typically includes antioxidants, fibers, and minerals.
02:58When integrated into the robot, the organoids established a functional connection when treated
03:02with low-intensity ultrasound.
03:04This ultrasound stimulation encourages the growth of human tissues to form neurons, which
03:09then send signals from the brain to enable the robot's autonomous movement.
03:14Despite lacking eyes, the robot responds to electrical and sensory signals transmitted
03:18by the neurons.
03:22The researchers clarified that the pink blob seen on the robot's shoulders in images is
03:27merely a cosmetic representation, not the actual brain tissue, which is still being
03:32used in prototypes.
03:34Brain organoid transplants are considered a promising strategy for restoring brain function
03:38By replacing lost neurons and reconstructing neural circuits, the researchers stated.
03:44However, this research is still in its infancy, and the potential for organoids to repair
03:49or reconstruct damaged brain tissues remains uncertain.
03:56This development comes shortly after Japanese scientists grafted human skin tissue and skin
04:00ligament structures onto a robot's face, enabling it to display human-like emotions.
04:06The University of Tokyo released a video showcasing a smiling robotic face made from
04:11lab-grown human skin.
04:14According to their team, robots with real skin not only look more lifelike but also
04:18have the ability to heal themselves if damaged.
Comments