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Muscle-Powered Robots Show New Moves

Their soft frames turn contraction into movement.

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Technology news editorial illustration for Living Muscle Helps Tiny Robots Jump and Grip

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Source: ETH Zurich, via Tech Xplore, 2026-10-22.

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Read and understand · 1/2How does the living tissue produce movement?

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Muscle tightening. The contraction makes the soft structure bend.

Clue: An ETH Zurich report describes robots combining cultured mouse muscle with a soft, water-rich frame. The team designed both parts together.

Read and understand · 2/2Why is use outside the laboratory still difficult?

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The tissue depends on nutrient liquid. The dependence on liquid is a practical limitation.

Clue: The laboratory devices can jump, swim and grip. However, they depend on nutrient liquid, so long-term use outside the lab remains a challenge.

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What extra challenge appears when a robot contains living tissue?

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The devices move, but their living tissue must be kept alive.

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