Abstract: Humanity has developed various technologies to meet societal needs, from humanoid robots and smartphones to self-driving cars. However, despite these advances in engineering and robotics, we have not yet fully harnessed the unique functionalities found in nature, such as molecular recognition, material production, and self-organization, for robotic applications. Replicating these exceptional natural capabilities in robotic systems presents significant challenges.
One promising approach is the integration of biological components with artificial materials to create biohybrid robots. Biohybrid robotics can be categorized into four key areas: (i) biohybrid sensors, which detect target molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity, (ii) biohybrid reactors, which mimic biological reactions for applications like drug testing or tissue engineering, (iii) biohybrid actuators, which enable energy-efficient motion, and (iv) biohybrid processors, which perform low-energy, highly parallel computing, akin to the human brain.
This presentation will explore how these biohybrid technologies can be integrated within the field of robotics, leveraging the unique advantages of living systems to push the boundaries of what robots can achieve. By merging biological functionality with robotic systems, we aim to revolutionize the way robots interact with and adapt to their environments, unlocking new potential in robotic design and application.
Join us for light refreshments after the seminar!
Bio: Dr. Takeuchi received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Tokyo. He is the Director of the Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems at the Institute of Industrial Science, U Tokyo. He has authored >160 publications, >70 patents, and been recognized with the MEXT Young Scientists’ Prize, the JSPS prize, and the ACS Analytical Chemistry Young Innovator Awards. Current research interests include 3D tissue fabrication, implantable devices, artificial cells/lipid bilayer systems, and biohybrid MEMS.