MIT Scientists Create Microbot Using Living Muscle Cells
Overview
MIT researchers have developed a biohybrid swimming robot that uses a thin layer of genetically modified muscle cells to move through water. The robot, composed of a flexible gel framework with light-responsive muscle cells, can be controlled by directing light to its fins, enabling movement and navigation. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, highlights the potential of biohybrid robots for delicate tasks in fragile environments.
From ScienceDaily — Robotics
Event evidence and corrections
1 attributed source owners. Ownership does not establish independent confirmation. Quantities are reported separately and are never added together.
Reported quantity · body length per minute: 4 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ter. Adjusting which fin receives light and how frequently it is illuminated allows the team to control both its speed and direction. In experiments, the remarkably thin robot successfully swam and turned through a simple underwater maze. At maximum speed, it covered approximately four times its body length per minute. Although that is much slower than an Olympic swimmer, who can travel up to 65 body lengths per minu”
Exact source · revision 2sciencedaily
Reported quantity · body length per minute: 65 other · Basis not reported · Differing source assertions
“ter. Adjusting which fin receives light and how frequently it is illuminated allows the team to control both its speed and direction. In experiments, the remarkably thin robot successfully swam and turned through a simple underwater maze. At maximum speed, it covered approximately four times its body length per minute. Although that is much slower than an Olympic swimmer, who can travel up to 65 body lengths per minu”
Exact source · revision 2sciencedaily
Evidence dependency changes (2)
- 2026-10-30T20:30:29.620Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
- 2026-10-30T20:30:09.538Z · evidence updated · source revision 2. Evidence extraction was updated; current source attributions are shown above.
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- ScienceDaily — RoboticsSignalMIT scientists build a tiny robot that swims using living muscle cells
MIT researchers have developed a biohybrid swimming robot that uses a thin layer of genetically modified muscle cells to move through water. The robot, composed of a flexible gel framework with light-responsive muscle cells, can be controlled by directing light to its fins, enabling movement and navigation. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, highlights the potential of biohybrid robots for delicate tasks in fragile environments.
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