Frog Muscle-Powered Manta Ray Robot Achieves Record Swimming Speed

Conventional robots typically depend on electric motors and gears, but researchers at the Shenyang Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have taken a different approach. They have developed a biohybrid manta ray robot propelled by living muscle tissue harvested from a bullfrog's leg. With a swimming speed of about 2.7 centimeters per second, the robot has set a record for this category of muscle-powered machines.

To sustain the living tissue, the robot is powered wirelessly using near-infrared laser light, which eliminates the need for bulky batteries. This system allows the robot to perform agile movements such as sharp turns and steady cruising. It can also operate continuously for approximately seven days, showcasing the practicality of integrating live biological actuators into robotic structures and highlighting the advantage of using bioenergy sources.

By replacing mechanical joints with living tissue, biohybrid robots chart a course distinct from conventional steel machines. This approach not only explores potential applications in soft robotics and medical devices but also raises profound questions about the interface between life and machinery. The research suggests a future where biological and mechanical components merge seamlessly, leading to more adaptable and self-healing robots.