xenobot
Xenobot is a term used for programmable, living agents created by assembling cells from the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) into designed, self-supporting shapes. The concept was first demonstrated in 2020 by researchers at the University of Vermont and Tufts University. Xenobots are composed of living cells arranged into microscopic structures; the majority are derived from frog embryo cells, including heart muscle cells that provide motion and skin cells that form the framework. Designs are generated by computer algorithms that optimize shapes for specific tasks, after which the cells are guided to self-assemble into the target form.
In operation, xenobots lack brains and electronics. Movement and behavior arise from the intrinsic properties of
The field raises questions about safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Research emphasizes containment, reversibility, and the
Potential applications include targeted drug delivery at micro-scales, environmental sensing or cleanup, and using xenobots as