It’s Alive! From Bioinspired to Biohybrid Robots

Bioinspired robotics serves a dual role of advancing technology for real-world applications and creating tools for basic science research. However, just as there are gaps between simulations and reality, there are gaps between synthetic bioinspired robots and the animals they abstract or mimic. For example, the complex ability for abstract decision making and behavioral flexibility of biological brains, the adaptability and self-healing of living muscle, and the natural compliance of many biological systems, are lacking in many bioinspired robotics approaches. In this talk, I will explore the role of bioinspired robotics as a tool for basic science and address how biohybrid robotic approaches may help bridge the gap between bioinspiration and true biomimetics. I will also present recent work from our lab towards addressing sustainability in robotics and conclude with the ethical considerations and challenges facing biohybrid robotics as the field grows.

Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Pittsburgh, PA, USA

   Victoria A. Webster-Wood

2. CMU Biohybrid and Organic Robotics Group, Pittsburgh, USA

   Victoria A. Webster-Wood

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Victoria A. Webster-Wood .

Editors and Affiliations

1. Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

   José M. Cascalho

2. School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK

   Mohammad Osman Tokhi

3. School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal

   Manuel F. Silva

4. Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

   Armando Mendes

5. Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (M3), Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

   Khaled Goher

6. Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

   Matthias Funk

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