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Biohybrid hand actuated by multiple human muscle tissues
Xinzhu Ren1, Yuya Morimoto1,2, Shoji Takeuchi1
1Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Science Robotics
|February 12, 2025
Summary
New biohybrid robots use multiple muscle tissue actuators (MuMuTAs) to power a hand with individually controlled fingers. This advancement offers greater flexibility and control for complex biohybrid robotic systems.
Area of Science:
- Biohybrid robotics
- Tissue engineering
- Biomechanical engineering
Background:
- Cultured muscle tissue is explored as a power source for biohybrid robots.
- Current designs face limitations in scale, flexibility, and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biohybrid hand with enhanced flexibility and controllability.
- To utilize multiple muscle tissue actuators (MuMuTAs) for powering robotic systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of multijointed fingers powered by MuMuTAs, which are bundles of thin muscle tissues.
- Conversion of linear actuation from MuMuTAs into finger flexion using a cable-driven mechanism.
- Implementation of diverse signaling controls for individual finger actuation.
Main Results:
- Successful powering of a biohybrid hand with individually controlled fingers.
- Demonstration of a variety of motions achievable through different signaling controls.
- MuMuTAs provide high contractile force (~8 mN) and length (~4 mm).
Conclusions:
- MuMuTAs offer a viable and powerful actuation solution for advanced biohybrid robotics.
- This study demonstrates the potential for complex, controlled movements in biohybrid systems.
- The developed biohybrid hand represents a significant step towards more sophisticated biohybrid robotic applications.
