Future Technology Trends

The movie Blade Runner envisioned a future with genetically engineered biological robots. While scientists are unlikely to create anything that sophisticated by 2019, rudimentary bio-bots are a more probable scenario. In the last ten years, there have been many gains in biotechnology. Synthetic biology is a domain that can help academics to design new hybrid artificial life forms with strange capabilities. A workshop is taking place to discuss the merging of several different fields. They mention that there are a number of challenges to overcome. Interfacing the biological samples with other technology is a pressing issue. Bio-inspired muscles will function in a manner dissimilar to how motors or gears operate in conventional machines. Biosensors are a second option that they are pursuing. These biomimetic aspects will give the “organisms” a versatile range of behaviors.  Read More »

Many serious disorders have been challenging to treat. Neuroplasticity allows the mind to repair itself and compensate to a certain extent after damage. Unfortunately, this adaptability is often not enough. Neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, is limited to only key sections of the brain. Printable neural tissue with stem cells may eventually heal people. That outcome appears to be quite a ways off. Another strategy that Tel Aviv University researchers and other collaborators are investigating is synthetic microcircuits that interact with biology. The renachip project is constructing a biohybrid model that could recover lost functioning due to age or other conditions. Crude deep brain implantation can already ameliorate Parkinson’s disease. This recent innovation is a DBS device on steroids. Cyborg-like connections could be part of the therapeutic armament. Now scientists have given an update at a recent SENS conference on the viability of a biomimetic prosthetic in a rat.   Read More »

The idea of printable biology entails using software on a computer and an inkjet machine to synthesize tissue. In the future, it might be possible to take a person’s genomic data and give them a specifically tailored organ that would be completely compatible with their genetic makeup. Constructing neural tissue in this manner might even allow the replacement of parts of the brain. These concepts still appear to be a long way off, but progress is occurring at a quick pace. BioRap is one project that is focusing on designing better tools to carry out these goals. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology have made progress applying novel techniques and materials to come up with upgraded artificial blood vessels. Read More »

Robots or nanodevices of the future may have mechanical segments replaced with softer parts that mimic what can be found in nature.  This will enable the machines to have a much wider range of behaviors than what is currently possible.  Researchers are developing new tools to create an array of flexible biomimetics.  A conference is taking place a little over a month from now and will discuss progress towards the goals of more versatile robotics.  Many of these advances could be used to create care-taker bots that can look after people who are older.  Bio-compatible actuators may also facilitate improved human cybernetic interfaces or remote controllable insects.   Read More »