Exploring the Future of Robotics: Bio-Hybrids Workshop at IEEE RoboSoft 2024
We organize the “Bio-hybrids: when robots come alive” workshop at the IEEE RoboSoft 2024 conference in San Diego, CA. The workshop brings together pioneers in bio-hybrid robotics to explore the transformative potential of living materials in engineering intelligent machines. With keynote speakers and collaborative discussions, the event delves into cutting-edge advancements at the intersection of biology, materials science, and robotics, setting the stage for groundbreaking innovations.
A workshop on the future of robots that come alive
We organize the "Bio-hybrids: when robots come alive" workshop as part of the IEEE RoboSoft 2024 conference in San Diego. This event explores the revolutionary potential of bio-hybrid systems—robots integrated with living materials—and brings together leading researchers from institutions like Harvard, MIT, and the University of Tokyo.
The workshop highlights how bio-hybrid technologies, which incorporate biological cells and tissues into robotics, are driving innovation in areas such as adaptability, growth, and environmental responsiveness. Participants delve into advancements in biointerfaces, bio-actuators, and the ability of robots to regenerate and interact harmoniously with their surroundings.
Program Highlights
The workshop features a series of keynote presentations and short talks, covering:
- Cell-level Bio-Hybrids: Presentations on biohybrid microswimmers, sustainable biofabrication techniques, and controlling magnetically responsive bacteria.
- Multicellular Bio-Hybrids and Biofabrication: Sessions exploring the challenges and opportunities of scaling up tissue engineering and biohybrid robotic jellyfish.
- Bio-Actuators and Performance: Discussions on fabricating and controlling skeletal muscle robots, neuromuscular tissue engineering, and 3D tissue biofabrication.
In a key interactive session, Prof. Robert Katzschmann from ETH Zurich showcases bio-hybrid materials, designs, and robots, highlighting the lab's cutting-edge achievements and future directions for research. The event also fosters discussions on new applications of bio-hybrid robotics, from healthcare to sustainable environmental management.
Award Winners
The workshop celebrates groundbreaking work in bio-hybrid robotics with two awards:
- The IEEE RoboSoft Most Alive Robots Award
- The IEEE RoboSoft Bio-hybrid Roboticist Award 2024
Special Issue Announcement
As a follow-up to the workshop, we set up a special issue on bio-hybrid robotics in Wiley’s Advanced Intelligent Systems journal. This issue, guest-edited by Dr. Miriam Filippi and Prof. Robert Katzschmann, will highlight the latest advancements in bio-hybrid robots.
Collaborative Discussions and Future Directions
The workshop concludes with a round table discussion on the future of bio-hybrid robotics. Participants explore questions such as scaling up biofabrication, overcoming challenges in soft living robotics, and unlocking the full potential of bio-hybrid robots to outperform synthetic systems. These discussions pave the way for new collaborations and innovative research that will continue shaping the future of robotics.
Further Information
To learn more, visit the workshop's website for the full program and recorded sessions.