Robots could decompose when they ‘die’ just like humans

According to a report, scientists at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) are in the process of developing materials which could allow robots decompose at the end of their lives, much like humans.‎

Researchers at the IIT’s Smart Materials Group have developed a way to create a bioplastic out of food waste.

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Most robots are made of plastic and metal, which are non-biodegradable and the bioplastic material could eventually be used to make an entirely biodegradable robot.

Bioplastic can be flexible or tough, and could be used for both robot ‘skin’ and interior robot parts.

“It will help us to make lighter robots, more efficient, and finally, also recyclable,” says Nikos Tsagarakis, senior researcher at the IIT.

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