A hybrot (short for "hybrid robot") is a
cybernetic organism in the form of a
robot controlled by a
computer
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to Execution (computing), carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as C ...
consisting of both electronic and biological elements. The biological elements are typically
rat
Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents. Species of rats are found throughout the order Rodentia, but stereotypical rats are found in the genus ''Rattus''. Other rat genera include ''Neotoma'' ( pack rats), ''Bandicota'' (bandicoot ...
neurons connected to a
computer chip.
This
feat was first accomplished in 2003 by Dr. Steve M. Potter, a professor of
biomedical engineering at the
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly referred to as Georgia Tech or, in the state of Georgia, as Tech or The Institute, is a public research university and institute of technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1885, it is part of ...
:
What separates a hybrot from a
cyborg is that the latter term is commonly used to refer to a cybernetically enhanced human or animal; while a hybrot is an entirely new type of creature constructed from organic and artificial materials. It is perhaps helpful to think of the hybrot as "semi-living", a term also used by the hybrot's inventors.
Another interesting feature of the hybrot is its longevity. Neurons separated from a living
brain usually die after only a couple of months. However, a specially designed incubator built around a gas-tight culture chamber selectively permeable to carbon dioxide, but impermeable to water vapor, reduces the risk of contamination and evaporation, and may extend the life of the hybrot to one to two years.
See also
*
Animat
*
Artificial intelligence
*
Biorobotics
*
Brain–computer interface
*
Neurorobotics
*
Semi-biotic systems
References
Notes
*
* Shkolnik, A. C. Neurally Controlled Simulated Robot: Applying Cultured Neurons to Handle and Approach/Avoidance Task in Real Time, and a Framework for Studying Learning In Vitro. In: Potter, S. M. & Lu, J.: Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science. Emory University, Atlanta (2003).
* {{Cite journal
, author1=Wagenaar, D. A. , author2=Demarse, T. B. , author3=Taketani, M. , author4=Baudry, M. New York , year = 2006
, title = Closing the Loop: Stimulation Feedback Systems for Embodied MEA Cultures
, journal = Advances in Network Electrophysiology Using Multi-Electrode Arrays
, pages = 215–242
External links
Georgia Tech Researchers Use Lab Cultures to Control Robotic DeviceGeorgia Tech researchers use lab cultures to control robotic device– A hybrot artist.
How to Culture, Record and Stimulate Neuronal Networks on Micro-electrode Arrays (MEAs)
Biocybernetics
Cybernetics
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