| Abstract Scope |
Human beings and other biological creatures navigate unpredictable and dynamic environments by combining compliant mechanical actuators, skeletal muscle, with precise neural control. Abiotic actuators and motor control systems have yet to match living neuromuscular tissues in their ability to dynamically adapt their form and function to changing surroundings. We have developed methods of designing and fabricating soft machines powered by tissue engineered biological actuators that are capable of predictable multi-degree-of-freedom motion. These “biohybrid” robots can be programmed to achieve complex functional behaviors such as walking, swimming, or gripping. Moreover, because these robots are composed of living tissues, they can respond to both gain-of-function cues (exercise) and loss-of-function cues (injury) from their environment. This talk will cover the advantages, challenges, and future directions of using engineered tissues to understand and manipulate the mechanics of biological actuators for applications in soft robotics. |