Yummy AI? Scientists Predict The Possibility Of Edible Robots In Basic Cuisines.
Robots are super cool, trendy, and all until you have to ‘eat’ one.
Imagine a carefully curated dish of robots in your favorite restaurant menu -that may sound wild to you right now, but scientists seem to have a different opinion.
With the advent of AI and robots taking over regular jobs, humans might again witness an unlikely fusion of tech and food with the ongoing project to make robotic food for consumption - “edible robots.”
The impact of tech through food delivery has undoubtedly made life easier for the average person. Still, will this new attempt at robotic food be able to create healthy dietary options?
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) appears to have found a solution to this innovation in the field of robotics, working together with expert scientists from the Italian Institute of Technology, Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and the University of Bristol in the UK.
Their joint project, "Robo Food," aims to develop edible robots that combine knowledge from both food and robotic science to offer highly nutritious food options containing the necessary dietary supplements and vaccines for both humans and animals.
These edible robots might even be able to tell humans when a food is safe to eat, a feature directed towards curtailing food/farm produce waste.
The inspiration behind this project is breathtaking and surprisingly influenced by a typical conversation between two scientists having a regular day.
Director Dario Floreano’s fellow researcher, Jun Shintake had made a comment that “the main difference between robots and living systems is that robots can’t be eaten by other life forms” and this had inspired Floreano to create the project - RoboFood.
If successful, this research will help produce a variant menu of edible robots, encouraging the creation of edible mechanical structures and sensors.
The Future Of Robo Food - What To Expect
This development of robot-themed foods will no doubt revolutionize the food industry by creating a more unique dining experience for consumers - Imagine a steaming plate of robo-pasta and steak.
The innovation might be sooner than we think now that the European Union has partnered with the Robo Food project for funding.
The EU took to its website to share news of the team's breakthrough in finding edible substitutes already, ahead of the expected project duration of September 2025.
Starch and Tannin have been confirmed by the team to make a perfect substitute for glue, with rubber and foam being replaced by rice cookies and gelatin.
The Robo Food project will no doubt help to mitigate food waste and encourage sustainability. It is already making headway with the 50% edible rice cake drone created with edible oils and chocolates.
Very soon, robots will not only help humans solve technical issues, but they will also be a nutrient source and a controversial topic among foodies and tech enthusiasts.
The future of Robo Foods seems very rewarding, but we certainly don't know what to expect just yet - it's a merge of endless possibilities.