Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
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Cardiac Muscle-cell Based Actuator and Self-stabilizing Biorobot - PART 1
Published on: July 11, 2017
8.1K
Wirelessly steerable bioelectronic neuromuscular robots adapting neurocardiac junctions
Hiroyuki Tetsuka1,2, Samuele Gobbi3, Takaaki Hatanaka1,2
1Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Science Robotics
|September 25, 2024
Summary
This study developed a bioelectronic neuromuscular robot controlled by the nervous system. This innovative biohybrid machine uses wireless electrical signals to direct robotic motion, enabling adaptive control.
Area of Science:
- Biohybrid Systems
- Neuroengineering
- Robotics
Background:
- Biological movement relies on neural control for environmental interaction.
- Efficient response to physiological demands requires precise muscle innervation.
- Existing biohybrid systems lack advanced adaptive motor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a bioelectronic neuromuscular robot integrated with the motor nervous system.
- To demonstrate wireless control of robotic motion via electrical synapses.
- To enable autonomous biohybrid systems with adaptive motor control and learning capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a bioelectronic device with cardiac muscles via electrical synapses.
- Utilizing wireless frequency multiplexing for selective neural activation.
- Modulating fin flapping through wireless motor innervation to control locomotion.
Main Results:
- Achieved an average locomotion speed of approximately 0.52 mm/s.
- Demonstrated fin-flapping frequencies up to 2.0 Hz.
- Exhibited turning locomotion with a path curvature of ~0.11 rad/mm.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioelectronic neuromuscular robot successfully integrates with the nervous system.
- Wireless frequency multiplexing enables precise control over robot speed and direction.
- This technology advances biohybrid machines towards autonomous adaptive motor control.
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