OstraBot hits 467 mm/min, becomes fastest swimming biohybrid robot yet

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a novel self-training method to strengthen lab-grown muscle tissues, overcoming a significant limitation in biohybrid robotics. By connecting two engineered muscle tissues so they continuously pull against each other, the muscles naturally contract and create their own workout cycle without external stimulation. This approach significantly enhanced muscle strength, achieving a maximum force of 7.05 millinewtons and stress of 8.51 millinewtons per square millimeter, surpassing typical lab-grown muscle performance. The strengthened muscles powered OstraBot, a fish-inspired biohybrid swimming robot that reached a record speed of 467 millimeters per minute, making it the fastest skeletal muscle-driven robot to date. Beyond speed, OstraBot demonstrated precise controllability, responding to electrical signals and even sound cues like clapping, which allowed it to start and stop on command. This level of control mimics natural nerve-muscle interactions and marks a significant advancement over previous muscle-powered robots that lacked clear