Scientists at the University of Reading have created a hydrogel-based system that can easily learn and adapt. The Pong experiment demonstrates the potential of smart materials in a variety of applications.
Smart hydrogel
Revolutionary experiment
Experts from the University of Reading conducted a unique experiment demonstrating the limited “learning” capabilities of a simple hydrogel created from an electroactive polymer (EAP). A control system consisting of EAP gel and an array of electrodes was used to play an adapted version of the classic video game Pong. It is noteworthy that the “brain” based on the EAP gel reached the maximum of its gaming abilities after approximately 20 minutes.
Features of material behavior
Despite the fact that the EAP gel control system does not have consciousness in the usual sense, it demonstrates unexpected properties that were not foreseen when the material was developed. Engineer Vincent Strong explains the behavior of the hydrogel: “The process of deflating the hydrogel takes significantly longer than its initial swelling. This is due to the fact that the subsequent movement of ions depends on the previous one, which leads to a constant rearrangement of ions in the hydrogel based on past changes.”
Application prospects
This study opens new horizons for the use of EAP hydrogels. Yoshikatsu Hayashi, a biomedical engineer at the University of Reading, said: "Our work shows that even the simplest materials can exhibit the complex, adaptive behavior typically associated with living systems or advanced AI. This opens up exciting possibilities for creating new types of smart materials that can learn." and adapt to the environment."
The future of technology
In the future, such materials can lead to significant progress in the field of prosthetics, soft robotics and adaptive materials in general . The study now confirms that "learning and adaptation systems in living organisms may be more universal than previously thought." Scientists plan to continue experiments with EAP hydrogels to determine the boundaries of their “memory” and apply it to solve other problems. Researchers have previously demonstrated the material's ability to mimic contractions of cardiac tissue.
Glossary
- EAP (Electroactive polymer) - a polymer material that changes its shape or size under the influence of an electric field.
- Pong is one of the first computer games that simulates table tennis.
- The University of Reading is a public research university in the UK.
- Hydrogel is a polymer material that can hold large amounts of water.
- Soft robotics is a branch of robotics that uses soft and flexible materials.
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Answers to questions
What new have University of Reading researchers discovered in the field of electroactive polymers?
What unique property of EAP hydrogel did the researchers discover?
What are the potential applications of this discovery?
What conclusions have scientists made about the nature of learning and adaptation?
What are the researchers' future plans for EAP hydrogels?
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Discussion of the topic – Hydrogel “brain” conquers Pong: a revolution in adaptive materials
Scientists from the University of Reading have created a simple hydrogel brain that can play Pong. This discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of adaptive materials and artificial intelligence.
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Francesco
Wow, this is amazing! 😮 A hydrogel that learns to play Pong? Sounds like science fiction! I wonder what other games he can master?
Amelia
Francesco, I'm delighted too! 🤩 Imagine if such a hydrogel learns to play chess. This opens up so many possibilities for creating smart materials!
Hans
Amelia, chess is too difficult for a hydrogel. But in the field of prosthetics, this could be a breakthrough. Imagine a prosthetic arm that adapts to the user's movements!
Sophia
Guys, did you notice that the gel reached its peak in 20 minutes? 🕐 It's incredibly fast! I wonder how this could be applied to other areas, such as education?
Oleksandr
It's all nonsense. Once again scientists are making up all sorts of nonsense. Just think, Gel learned to play Pong. It would be better to invent something useful.
Isabella
Oleksandr, don’t be such a skeptic! 😊 This is just the beginning. Imagine how such materials could change our lives in the future. Maybe one day we'll have self-healing roads or adaptive clothing!
Wojciech
Isabella is right! 👍 I see huge potential in soft robotics. Imagine robots that can change shape and adapt to any environment. This is a revolution!
Amelia
Wojciech, exactly! And think about medicinal applications. Smart bandages that adapt to the condition of the wound, or implants that grow with the body. The future belongs to such materials! 🚀🔬