Biohybrid Robots With Living Brain Cells Advance Medical Research

Recent advancements in robotics highlight a surge in biohybrid and AI-powered humanoid robots designed to enhance human life and industry. Scientists have developed soft robots combining living muscle and brain cells with 3D-printed skeletons, enabling movements controlled by genetically modified neurons responsive to light, which could revolutionize studies on movement disorders and medical applications. Tesla's CEO Elon Musk envisions a future where humanoid robots, like Tesla's Optimus Gen 3, become widespread personal assistants, with plans to manufacture thousands, aligning with projections of billions of humanoids in service by 2050. In the neurorehabilitation field, wearable cyborg robots activated by users' voluntary movements have been shown to stimulate brain regions linked to motor planning, promoting neural plasticity and aiding recovery. Meanwhile, China is rapidly advancing humanoid robotics to address challenges posed by its aging population, using robots to fill labor gaps and support elder care, backed by new regulatory standards. These developments collectively signal a transformative era where intelligent humanoids and biohybrid robots coexist with humans, enhancing healthcare, industry, and daily living.