In context
In early 2023, the field of robotics was pushing beyond conventional electromechanical designs, seeking new paradigms to overcome limitations in energy efficiency, miniaturization, and adaptability. Bio-syncretic robots, which integrate living biological components with synthetic structures, emerged as a promising frontier, offering a path toward more efficient and versatile machines.
What was reported
A comprehensive review in the journal Robot systematically categorized bio-syncretic robots based on their living materials, including cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscle cells, neuro-muscular constructs, insect muscle tissue, and microorganisms. These biological components serve as the core functional units, providing high energy conversion efficiency (≥50%) and superior force-to-weight ratios compared to traditional actuators.
The review detailed non-living materials such as PDMS and hydrogels that support cell growth and integration, alongside control methods including electrical, optical, chemical, and magnetic stimulation. Applications span micro-robots, lab-on-a-chip devices, and biomedical tools. Notable examples include a cardiomyocyte-driven walking robot achieving speeds up to 236 μm/s, and a skeletal muscle-powered pump with flow rates exceeding 22.5 μL/min.
Challenges remain, such as maintaining cell viability outside culture media and achieving precise control over spontaneous contractions. However, advances like encapsulating muscle tissue in collagen have enabled operation in air, extending potential use cases.
Why it mattered
This review underscored a paradigm shift in robotics, where living systems are not just mimics but integral components. By harnessing biological efficiency and self-repair capabilities, bio-syncretic robots could address fundamental bottlenecks in traditional automation, paving the way for more sustainable, miniaturized, and adaptive machines in industrial and biomedical settings.
“Bio-syncretic robots are a new type of robots formed by the organic fusion of living systems and electromechanical systems at the molecular, cellular and tissue scales.”
Source: 《机器人》期刊 (robot.sia.cn) · Published 2023-03-06 · “生命—机电系统融合的类生命机器人”