The 2025 Terminator? Lab-grown muscle brings biohybrid robot hand to life

Researchers at the University of Tokyo and Waseda University in Japan have achieved a groundbreaking development in the field of robotics. They have successfully created a biohybrid hand, which combines lab-grown muscle tissue with mechanical engineering to create a hand capable of gripping and making gestures. This innovative technology opens up a new world of possibilities for robotics with a wide range of applications.

While soft robots and advanced prosthetics are becoming more common, the integration of living tissue and machines is still relatively rare. The emergence of biohybrid science is still in its early stages, with only a few examples such as artificial fish powered by human heart cells or robots utilizing locust ears for hearing. The biohybrid hand created by the Japanese researchers represents a significant advancement in the practical application of this technology.

The key to the success of this project lies in the development of what the researchers call “multiple tissue actuators” or MuMuTAs. These actuators are created by growing muscle fibers in the lab and bundling them together to create a strong and flexible muscle tissue. By rolling the thin muscle strands like a sushi roll, the researchers were able to generate enough contractile force and length to drive the movements of the biohybrid hand.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the biohybrid hand is its ability to experience fatigue, just like a real human hand. After 10 minutes of use, the force of the tissue declines, but it recovers within an hour of rest. This lifelike property of the engineered muscle tissue highlights the potential of this technology to replicate the functions of biological systems.

While the biohybrid hand is currently a proof of concept, the researchers acknowledge that there are still challenges to overcome. Scaling up the size of the device and addressing issues such as friction and segment movement are key areas for improvement. However, the development of MuMuTAs has laid the foundation for future advancements in biohybrid robotics, with the potential to revolutionize advanced prosthetics and enhance our understanding of muscle tissue function.

In conclusion, the creation of the biohybrid hand by the researchers at the University of Tokyo and Waseda University represents a significant step forward in the field of robotics. This innovative technology has the potential to transform the way we think about prosthetics and muscle tissue function. As the field of biohybrid science continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.