Gastrobot
The “gastrobot” has arrived: the world’s first robot that eats and digests to generate its own power and that may eventually produce robo-poop. The hungry robot, built at the University of South Florida in Tampa and dubbed Gastronome, is one meter long and rolls on 12 wheels. Gastronome is powered by a microbial fuel cell filled with E. coli bacteria. So far it only ingests sugar; as the bacteria break down glucose molecules, electrons are released and captured to charge a battery, which powers the motor. The contraption could run on vegetation-or meat, for maximum energy-but would eventually become constipated: The complicated process of waste elimination hasn’t been perfected. Inventor Stuart Wilkinson, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, says one eventual commercial use could be a robotic lawn mower that eats the clippings for power.
Keep Reading
Most Popular
Geoffrey Hinton tells us why he’s now scared of the tech he helped build
“I have suddenly switched my views on whether these things are going to be more intelligent than us.”
ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it
The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.
Meet the people who use Notion to plan their whole lives
The workplace tool’s appeal extends far beyond organizing work projects. Many users find it’s just as useful for managing their free time.
Learning to code isn’t enough
Historically, learn-to-code efforts have provided opportunities for the few, but new efforts are aiming to be inclusive.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.