muscle cells

Engineers at MIT have designed a small swimming robot propelled by living muscle cells, according to a Forbes report. The biohybrid device uses biological tissue as its power source rather than a conventional motor, pointing toward softer, more lifelike robotics. The work is drawing attention as an example of how synthetic machines and living cells are being combined in research labs.

Researchers have developed a paper-thin swimming robot driven by living muscle cells, capable of navigating through a watery maze. The biohybrid design uses the cells' natural contractions for propulsion rather than motors, a step forward for soft robotics with potential uses in medicine, such as targeted drug delivery inside the body. Coverage highlights the robot's ability to steer through complex liquid environments.