Talk by Shoji Takeuchi on Biohybrid Robotics

On September 20, Professor Shoji Takeuchi from the University of Tokyo will give a talk titled "Biohybrid Robotics: Revolutionizing Robotics with Living Systems" as part of our Distinguished Seminar in Robotics, Systems, and Control and also as part of the MaP Distinguished Lecture Series on Engineering with Living Materials.

Date: 20 September 2024
Time: 16:15 
Place: HG G 5

Title of Talk: Biohybrid Robotics: Revolutionizing Robotics with Living Systems
Humanity has developed various technologies to meet societal needs, from humanoid robots and smartphones to self-driving cars. However, despite these advances in engineering and robotics, we have not yet fully harnessed the unique functionalities found in nature, such as molecular recognition, material production, and self-organization, for robotic applications. Replicating these exceptional natural capabilities in robotic systems presents significant challenges. One promising approach is the integration of biological components with artificial materials to create biohybrid robots. These biohybrid robotics can be categorized into four key areas: (i) biohybrid sensors, which detect target molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity, (ii) biohybrid reactors, which mimic biological reactions for applications like drug testing or tissue engineering, (iii) biohybrid actuators, which enable energy-efficient motion, and (iv) biohybrid processors, which perform low-energy, highly parallel computing, akin to the human brain. This presentation will explore how these biohybrid technologies can be integrated within the field of robotics, leveraging the unique advantages of living systems to push the boundaries of what robots can achieve. By merging biological functionality with robotic systems, we aim to revolutionize the way robots interact with and adapt to their environments, unlocking new potential in robotic design and application.

Bio
Shoji Takeuchi received the B.E, M.E., and Dr. Eng. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, in 1995, 1997, and 2000, respectively. He is currently a Professor in Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, University of Tokyo. He has authored more than 240 peer-reviewed publications and filed over 140 patents. He has been recognized with numerous honors including Young Scientists' Prize, the Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2008, the JSPS prize from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in 2010, ACS Analytical Chemistry Young Innovator Awards in 2015, and  UNESCO Netexplo Award Winner 2019. JSME Micro-Nano Science & Technology Achievement Award in 2022. His current research interests include cultivated meat, 3D tissue fabrication, bioMEMS, implantable devices, artificial lipid bilayer systems, and biohybrid machines.