Bacteria could control robots in future

Washington: Believe it or not bacteria can control the behaviour of an inanimate device like a robot! A scientist from Virginia Institute of Technology has used a mathematical model to demonstrate that robots may indeed be able to have a working brain.

“We were trying to find out from the mathematical model if we could build a living microbiome on a non-living host and control the host through the microbiome," said Waren Ruder, assistant professor of biological systems engineering. The bacteria in the mathematical experiment exhibited their genetic circuitry by either turning green or red according to what they ate.

In the mathematical model, the robot was equipped with sensors and a miniature microscope to measure the colour of bacteria instructing it where and how fast to go depending upon the pigment and intensity of colour. In one instance, as the bacteria were directing the robot towards food, the robot paused before quickly making its final approach a classic predatory behaviour of higher order animals that stalk prey.

In agriculture, bacteria-robot model systems could enable robust studies that explore the interactions between soil bacteria and livestock. In health care, further understanding of bacteria's role in controlling gut physiology could lead to bacteria-based prescriptions to treat mental and physical illnesses.