Researchers have developed BabyBot, a soft robotic infant designed to mimic early feeding behaviors and oral motor development. Engineered with a sensorized mouth, soft robotic tongue, and neural circuitry, BabyBot simulates complex feeding reflexes and developmental stages from birth to six months.
Developed by a team consisting of members from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Nestlé Research Lausanne, the robot accurately replicates infant responses to various food textures and conditions, including challenges like immature sucking and gag reflexes.
More information:
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/babybot-replicates-feeding-behaviors