A01-2 : Bio-soft robotics that implement self-modifying abilities of organisms
Group members
| Leader | Masahiro Shimizu (Osaka University) |
|---|---|
| Members | Takuya Umedachi (The University of Tokyo) |
| Koh Hosoda (Osaka University) | |
| Research collaborator | Toshihiko Ogura (Tohoku University) |
Summary
We aim to realize “grow” machines by constructing robots that include living muscle cells. In an organism, self-motions create mechanical stimuli, which cells physiologically and/or physically respond to, which improve the morphology and functions of the organism. To achieve advanced biohybrid soft robots, it is indispensable to create technologies that integrate and control the functions of cell groups. In particular, soft robots must be able to act as an actuator, sensor, and CPU by targeting muscle cells using biomaterials. We are the only group to adopt this viewpoint in developing its research plan.
Our research aims to grow an intelligent robot that includes mechanical and control systems by directly assembling cells, which are biological materials, as soft and intelligent parts, and implement intelligent robots as an autonomous decentralized system.