MIT engineers have developed an extraordinarily thin swimming robot powered by living muscle cells, demonstrating a new approach to movement without conventional motors.
The experimental device consists of a flexible gel structure approximately the size of a stick of gum, with two fins covered in specially engineered muscle cells.
These cells contract when exposed to light, allowing researchers to activate each fin independently and control the robot's direction.
In laboratory experiments, the robot successfully navigated a small underwater maze, reaching speeds of approximately four body lengths per minute.
The researchers believe thin muscle-based structures could eventually prove useful for exploring delicate aquatic environments where conventional machines might cause damage.
The development builds on earlier attempts to grow artificial muscles for robotic movement.
It also complements work on soft robots capable of cell-like deformation and movement.
However, the prototype remains a laboratory demonstration. Its limited speed and simple design mean significant engineering advances are necessary before real-world deployment.