Recent progress in engineering functional biohybrid robots actuated by living cells

Living cells are highly scalable biological actuators found in nature, and they are efficient technological solutions to actuate robotic systems. Recent advancements in biofabrication and tissue engineering have bridged the gap to interface muscle cells with artificial technology. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in engineering the attributes of individual components for the development of fully functional biohybrid robots. First, we address the fabrication of biological actuators for biohybrid robots with muscle cells and tissues, including cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscles, insect tissues, and neuromuscular tissues, in well-organized pattern of 2D sheets and 3D constructs. Next, we discuss the performance of biohybrid robots for various biomimetic tasks such as swimming, walking, gripping, and pumping. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the development of biohybrid robots are described from different viewpoints of living material engineering, multiscale modeling, 3D printing for manufacturing, and multifunctional robotic system development. Statement of significance Nature provides elegant actuators across a wide range from subcellular components to tissues with high energy efficiency, power-to-weight ratio, and self-healing ability for biohybrid robots. In this review, we summarize recent progress in integrating the attributes of individual components for developing functional biohybrid robots. First, the fabrication of bioactuators is discussed by combining living materials (cardiomyocytes, skeletal muscles, insect dorsal vessel tissues, and neuromuscular tissues) with synthetic materials. Next, functional biohybrid robots are summarized, including biohybrid swimmers, walkers, grippers, and pumps. Finally, challenges and future directions are described from the viewpoints of living material engineering, modeling, 3D printing, and multifunctional system development. This paper provides a significant reference for the development of unprecedent biohybrid robots with sensing, intelligence, and actuation. (c) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.

Automated summary

Living cells serve as scalable biological actuators in nature, providing efficient technological solutions for robotic systems. Recent advancements in biofabrication have enabled the integration of muscle cells with artificial technology to develop fully functional biohybrid robots. This review highlights the progress in engineering individual components for biohybrid robots, discussing the fabrication of bioactuators, the performance of biohybrid robots in biomimetic tasks, and challenges for future development.