Slo-mo bot: How scientists built a biohybrid robot from slug parts

Scientists have developed what may be the slowest first responder ever. On Monday, researchers from Case Western Reserve University unveiled a "biohybrid" robot powered by sea slug muscles. The device, researchers say, could perform tasks that are difficult for traditional robots, and even take on search missions. "We're building a living machine – a biohybrid robot that's not completely organic, yet," said Victoria Webster, a PhD candidate who led the research, in a statement. Biorobotic philosophies – including, but not limited to the notion that "living machines" could perform tasks that aren't possible for organic organisms or totally man-made devices – have inspired new lines of research in many fields.