News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Muscle-Powered Robots Show New Moves

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

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

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

Source: ETH Zurich, via Tech Xplore, 2026-10-22. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-10-lab-grown-mouse-muscles-enable.html

Read and practise

1. How does the living tissue produce movement?

   1. A change in paint colour
   2. The nutrient liquid turning solid
   3. Muscle tightening

2. Why is use outside the laboratory still difficult?

   1. The tissue depends on nutrient liquid
   2. The devices cannot move at all
   3. No living tissue is involved

Your turn

What extra challenge appears when a robot contains living tissue?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/eth-living-muscle-tiny-robots-october-2026/level-2/