このトークでは、汚水を飲み込む事で、自身を動かす為に必要な電気を生み出し、汚染物質を清掃するロボット"Row-bot"が紹介されています。ロボット専門家、ジョナサン・ロシターは、微生物を使った燃料電池で藻類の過剰繁殖を防いだり、水面に流出した油膜を中和しながら水中を泳ぐ特殊なマシンが、どのようにして生物分解型の、自動汚染除去ロボットの先駆けとなりうるかを説明しています。

汚染物資を「食べる」ロボット

Taking inspiration from nature, engineers are building robots that act more like living organisms than machines. One striking example is the Row-bot, which feeds on polluted water using a microbial fuel cell, generating its own electricity as it neutralizes algae and oil spills. These robots can be made from biodegradable materials like jelly and paper, allowing them to disappear safely after use. This shift could enable millions of autonomous, eco-friendly robots to tackle environmental challenges without leaving harmful waste behind.

Robots That Eat Pollution Could Transform Environmental Cleanup

University of Bristol and Bristol Robotics Laboratory

Bristol BioEnergy Centre

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ジョナサン・ロシター: 汚染物資を「食べる」ロボット