Light Controlled Biohybrid Microbots

Biohybrid microbots integrate biological actuators and sensors into synthetic chassis with the aim of providing the building blocks of next-generation micro-robotics. One of the main challenges is the development of self-assembled systems with consistent behavior and such that they can be controlled independently to perform complex tasks. Herein, it is shown that, using light-driven bacteria as propellers, 3D printed microbots can be steered by unbalancing light intensity over different microbot parts. An optimal feedback loop is designed in which a central computer projects onto each microbot a tailor-made light pattern, calculated from its position and orientation. In this way, multiple microbots can be independently guided through a series of spatially distributed checkpoints. By exploiting a natural light-driven proton pump, these bio-hybrid microbots are able to extract mechanical energy from light with such high efficiency that, in principle, hundreds of these systems can be controlled simultaneously with a total optical power of just a few milliwatts.

Automated summary

Biohybrid microbots, integrating biological actuators and sensors into synthetic chassis, are developed to provide the building blocks of next-generation micro-robotics. A challenge is to develop self-assembled systems that exhibit consistent behavior and can be controlled independently for complex tasks. In this study, 3D printed microbots are shown to be steerable by unbalancing light intensity over different microbot parts, using light-driven bacteria as propellers. An optimal feedback loop is designed to project tailor-made light patterns onto each microbot, enabling independent guidance of multiple microbots through spatially distributed checkpoints.