How to build a synthetic digestive system for Marvel's Vision

Abstract

Vision is a synthezoid (android or synthetic human), a member of the Avengers, and constantly striving to be more human. In the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Vision is based on advanced robotics and bioengineering technologies. However, his body contains biological cells, and his external appearance consists of eyes, a mouth, a nose, teeth, and fingernails; traditional human attributes. Unlike humans, Vision does not eat as his metabolic energy requirements are met by a fictional alien artefact known as the Mind Stone. Nonetheless, given that Vision has eyes and a tongue, could he also have other organs? Does his body contain the organs for a synthetic digestive system? And if so, how would these organs meet his body’s metabolic energy needs? In this paper, we show how advancements in soft robotics (compliant robotic technologies made from highly deformable materials) can be combined to build an artificial digestive system. We consider the primary systems of the human digestive system – the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, and waste disposal. We show that an artificial digestive system is possible, but additional technologies are needed to support the underlying soft-robotics technologies.