Published in the journal Matter on January 26, the research outlines the design and functioning of this novel robot. The team, led by Shoji Takeuchi, crafted a biohybrid robot by combining muscle tissues with artificial materials. This unique design allows the robot to walk and pivot, showcasing movements akin to human gait.
"Research on biohybrid robots is recently attracting attention as a new field of robotics featuring biological function," explains corresponding author Shoji Takeuchi. He emphasizes the use of muscle as actuators, highlighting the benefits of compact design, efficient and silent movement, and a soft touch, reminiscent of natural biological systems.
This new two-legged robot builds upon the existing foundation of biohybrid robots that harness muscles to achieve movement. However, previous designs were limited in their ability to make sharp turns, a critical feature for navigating obstacles. The Tokyo team's creation addresses this by enabling the robot to pivot and make fine-tuned turning motions.
Operating in water, the robot features a foam buoy top and weighted legs to maintain an upright position. Its skeleton, primarily made of silicone rubber, flexes in response to muscle movements. Lab-grown skeletal muscle tissues, attached to each leg, contract upon receiving electrical stimulation, lifting and advancing the legs. This mechanism allowed the robot to "walk" at a speed of 5.4 mm/min and execute a 90-degree turn in 62 seconds.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Takeuchi notes the current manual method of moving electrodes for leg stimulation as a time-consuming aspect. Future improvements include integrating electrodes directly into the robot for increased efficiency. Moreover, the team plans to enhance the robot with joints and thicker muscle tissues for more sophisticated movements. A crucial step in this process will involve developing a nutrient supply system to sustain the living tissues, alongside structures that enable the robot to operate in air.
The University of Tokyo's foray into biohybrid robotics represents a convergence of biotechnology and robotics, reflecting the ongoing evolution of machines that more closely mimic biological entities. This novel bipedal robot not only showcases the potential of muscle tissues in robotics but also opens avenues for more natural and efficient robotic movements in various applications.
Research Report:Biohybrid bipedal robot powered by skeletal muscle tissue
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