A New Generation of Robots – Not Just Thinking, But Also “Living”

“Scientists at Columbia University are working on “robot metabolism.” In practice, machines would gain the ability to survive, similar to that of biological organisms.

Machines would thus “heal,” self-improve, become more complex, and expand, among other things, by reusing parts from other robots and equipment found in their immediate environment.

This isn't a science fiction movie script, but the real goal of a team of scientists at Columbia University who have explored a revolutionary concept they call “robot metabolism.” In simple terms, the goal is to create a system that would allow machines not only to think independently but also to maintain full functionality without human intervention.

 

What is robot metabolism and why could it change everything?

 

This would mean crossing a certain line – while robots have previously amazed us with their abilities, in practice they have been limited by their rigid structure and complete dependence on humans, especially for repairs and upgrades. Unlike the rapidly evolving algorithms of artificial intelligence, the "physical body" of most machines is stuck, as Interesting Engineering writes, in the Stone Age, because it cannot adapt to changing environmental conditions or "heal" itself, meaning repair itself.

Professor Hod Lipson, the head of this research, emphasizes that the key to the flexibility and survival of biological organisms lies in their modular structure and the ability to use and reuse components from other organisms. "Ultimately, we need to develop robots that can also do the same thing: utilize and reuse parts of other machines. This is 'robot metabolism,'" he explains. He points out that the human body constantly absorbs, integrates, and regenerates its own resources—it heals itself when it gets sick, and grows when it eats.

 

An Autonomous Body for Artificial Intelligence

Researchers want to achieve a similar goal with intelligent devices. Columbia University scientists intend to emulate the principles of biology. On the university blog, they indicate that machines would "heal" themselves, self-improve, become more complex, and expand, including: by reusing parts from other robots and equipment found in the immediate environment. Dr. Philippe Martin Wyder even argues that true robot autonomy is not only independent thinking using AI, but also physical self-sufficiency.

 

Truss Link, an innovative module developed by engineers, resembling a magnetic building block, could become a part of this vision. It has unique properties because these elements can stretch, shrink, and connect at various angles to create increasingly complex structures. This allows the machines to "grow." In the journal "Science Advances," experts point out that "robot metabolism" offers the potential to build completely autonomous machines that can develop and endure harsh conditions for extended periods. Such robots could find applications in areas such as rescue operations and space exploration.”