Biohybrid robots are revolutionizing the field of robotics by combining living and synthetic materials. These advanced machines can take the form of limbs, organs, or even entire organisms. The creation of biohybrid robots has raised philosophical questions about what it means to be alive.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing biohybrid robots. For example, scientists at Harvard created a 16-millimeter-long ray that could swim through water using rat cells as muscles. Another team built a robotic hand with biological neural networks for sensing.
Ethicists are now starting to consider the implications of these advanced machines. Dr. Rafael Mestre and his colleagues have proposed hypothetical scenarios where biohybrid robots become increasingly complex, blurring the line between life and non-life.
One ethical concern is the question of whether biohybrid robots can feel pain or be sentient. As they become more complex, people may wonder how to interact with them.
Another issue is access to these advanced technologies. Dr. Arthur Caplan, a leading expert in bioethics, has highlighted concerns about cost and accessibility. He suggests that researchers should take steps to ensure diverse access to the technology.
Caplan also notes that there are other ethical issues to consider, such as ensuring proper informed consent from subjects who test the technology, having a plan for what happens if the device fails, and questioning whether the pursuit of biohybrid organs is a worthwhile use of research resources.
As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of biohybrid robots, it’s essential to consider these ethical implications now. Mestre and his team recommend that we get prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with this new era in robotics.
Source: https://bigthink.com/the-future/biohybrid-robots-are-coming/