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PLENARY TALK

Professor Shoji Takeuchi

The University of Tokyo, Japan

Biohybrid Robotics

Humanity has developed a variety of systems and technologies to meet societal needs, ranging from humanoid robots and smartphones to self-driving cars; however, despite these advances in engineering and technology, we have not yet fully harnessed the unique functionalities found in nature for industrial applications, such as molecular recognition, material production, and self-organization. Developing artificial constructs that replicate these exceptional natural functionalities presents significant challenges. One promising approach is the integration of biological components with artificial materials to create biohybrid systems. These biohybrid robotics systems can be categorized into four groups: (i) biohybrid sensors, which detect target molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity, (ii) biohybrid reactors, which mimic biological reactions for applications such as drug testing or tissue transplantation, (iii) biohybrid actuators, which exhibit highly energy-efficient motion, and (iv) biohybrid processors, which achieve low-energy, highly parallel computing similar to the human brain. This presentation aims to discuss the integration of these device technologies within the field of biohybrid robotics.

SPEAKER NAME



Professor Ritu Raman

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Biological Actuators for Soft Robotics

Human beings and other biological creatures navigate unpredictable and dynamic environments by combining compliant mechanical actuators (skeletal muscle) with neural control and sensory feedback. Abiotic actuators, by contrast, have yet to match their biological counterparts in their ability to autonomously sense and adapt their form and function to changing environments. We have shown that engineered skeletal muscle actuators, controlled by neuronal networks, can generate force and power functional behaviors such as walking and pumping in a range of untethered robots. These muscle-powered robots are dynamically responsive to mechanical stimuli and are capable of complex functional behaviors like exercise-mediated strengthening and healing in response to damage. Our lab uses engineered bioactuators as a platform to understand neuromuscular architecture and function in physiological and pathological states, restore mobility after disease and damage, and power soft robots. This talk will cover the advantages, challenges, and future directions of understanding and manipulating the mechanics of biological motor control.

SPEAKER NAME



Professor Cristina Piazza

Technical University of Munich, Germany

Bioinspired Bionic Limbs: From Embodied Intelligence to Neural Control

Since the 16th century, science and engineering have endeavored to match the richness and complexity of the human hand sensory-motor system. In the last decade, novel theories and technologies in system design and control have suggested promising directions for the next generation of bionic aids. With a specific focus on two key bio-inspired elements, namely the natural softness found in biological systems and the synergistic motor control observed in humans, this talk aims to discuss engineering solutions to address current clinical challenges and meet the needs of subjects with limb loss. From the mechanical design perspective, this talk will explore the potential of emerging trends, such as the use of soft robotics and architecture simplification, proposing new strategies to optimize the performance of artificial hands. The second part of the talk will focus on bioinspired strategies for myoelectric control, highlighting the integration of advanced human-machine interfaces and the embodiment of artificial limbs. The goal of this reasearch is not only to improve the functional effectiveness of bionic limbs but also enhance natural and safe user interaction, social acceptance, and overall quality of life of people with disabilities.

SPEAKER NAME

KEYNOTE TALK

OS1:Bridging Biology and Robotics: Advances in Cyborg Insects and Hybrid Systems (Mochammad Ariyanto*, Keisuke Morishima)

  • Professor Masahiro Shimizu - Bio-robotics for realizing self-modifying robots
  • Professor T. Thang Vo-Doan - Biohybrid MAV from living insects
  • Professor Rifky Ismail - Desain dan Development of Bionics Prosthesis and Wearable Orthosis Robots in Indonesia
  • Professor Daigo Terutsuki - Insect antenna-integrated bio-hybrid drone for odor detection: from fundamental research to practical applications
  • Professor Mochammad Ariyanto - Autonomous Navigation of Cyborg Insects Based on Onboard Sensors in Unstructured Environment
  • Professor Masaki Ogura - Shepherding as a Paradigm for Swarm Control
  • Professor Hirotaka Sato - CYBORG INSECT: living legged and winged robots

OS2:Micro/Nano Robots Driven by Collective Motion of Molecular Motors (Yingzhe Wang*, Takahiro Nitta, Keisuke Morishima)

  • Professor Ryota Iino - Engineering Cyborg Molecular Motors and Motor Systems
  • Professor Winfried Teizer - Molecular Biomotors – Nature’s Efficiency at Work
  • Professor Takahiro Nitta - Active spiraling of microtubules propelled by kinesin motors
  • Professor Ken’ya Furuta - Towards micro robots powered by biological molecular motors
  • Professor Yingzhe Wang - In-situ integrated micro-actuators driven by biomolecular artificial muscles

OS3:Robot-assisted Biofabrication for Engineering Human Organs (Wan Kyun Chung, Jinhyun Kim, Jinah Jang)

  • Professor Hyun-Wook Kang - Advanced 3D bioprinting enabling precise morphological control to enhance functionality of engineered tissues
  • Professor Dong Sung Kim - Engineering Biophysical Microenvironments to Regulate In vitro Organogenesis and Morphogenesis
  • Professor Keehoon Kim - Robotic Manipulation of Deformable and Fragile 3D-Printed Cell Modules
  • Professor Hee-Gyeong Yi - Bio-glue bioink based co-culture system for building heterogeneous tissue construct

OS4:Biomimetic Principles and Biologically Inspired Robots (Qing Shi*, Zhiqiang Yu)

  • Professor Qing Shi, Robot-animal interaction using emotional perception and behavior generation

OS5:Intercellular cybernetic avatars for designing advanced cell-cell communications (Takeshi Hayakawa, Shinya Sakuma)

  • Professor Niko Kimura, Designed nanoparticles based on lipids for spatiotemporally controlled gifting of nanofunctioners to cells

OS6:Contact and non-contact cell manipulation (Xiaoming LIU, Masaru Kojima, Tatsuo Arai)

  • Professor Xiaoming Liu, Single Cell Operations by Micromanipulation and Microrobots

INVITED TALK

  • Professor Shotaro Yoshida, Chuo University - Bioelectric Microdevices for Investigating in vitro Neuro-glial Microcircuitry at Single-cell Resolution
  • Professor Niiyama Ryuma, Meiji University - Active Inflatables in Soft Robotics
  • Professor Diego Paez-Granados, ETH Zurich - Human Modelling for Assistive Robotics: A Perspective from Life-long Rehabilitation
  • Professor Satoshi Miura, Tokyo Institute of Technology - Cutting-edge human-machine interface and medical robotics
  • Professor Kenji Suzuki, University of Tsukuba - Empowering Residual Human Capabilities with Wearable Cyborgs
  • Professor Dylan Tsai, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University - Tunable Formation of Alginate Capsule Toward Artificial Red Blood Cells
  • Professor Masashi Ikeuchi, Institute of Science Tokyo - Innovation in Assisted Reproductive Technology through Precision Biomedical Engineering
  • Professor Yuya Morimoto, Waseda University - Biohybrid robot driven by contractions of cultured skeletal muscle tissue
  • Professor Shin-Ichiro M. Nomura, Tohoku University - Towards the Construction of Next-Generation Molecular Robots with Quick Sailing and Information Processing
  • Professor Kevin Chen, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Insect-scale Micro-Aerial-Robots Powered by Soft Artificial Muscles
  • Professor Kenjiro Tadakuma, Osaka University - Inventing and Embodiment of Robotic Mechanisms
  • Professor Ming Aiguo, The University of Electro-Communication - A Proposal for Using Joint Stops for Hyper Dynamic Robots
  • Professor Yasuhisa Hirata, Tohoku University - Robotic Nimbus for Empowering Human Abilities
  • Professor Takayuki Matsuno, Okayama University - Progressive Approaches towards Automation of the Zerobot That Supports IR Procedures under CT Fluoroscopy
  • Professor Shogo Okamoto, Tokyo Metropolitan University - From Human Touch to Technology: Insights into Tactile Perception and Sensor Design
  • Professor Hiroaki Onoe, Keio University - In Vitro Tube-Shaped Intestinal Model with Crypt-Like Inner Surface Formed by Electrolytic Microbubbles
  • Professor Lin Feng, Beihang University - Optoelectronic-tweezer micromanipulation and magnetically controlled micronanorobot
  • Professor Tao Yue, Shanghai University - Vascularized Micro-organ-on-a-chip based on Microenvironment Control inside Microfluidic platforms
  • Professor Chengzhi Hu, Southern University of Science and Technology - Empowering Magnetic Microrobots with 2D Nanomaterials and Designs
  • Professor Zhan Yang, Soochow University - Nano Robotic Manipulation inside a SEM
  • Professor Toshio Takayama, Tokyo Institute of Technology - Sidewall-Driven actuators for Microfluidic Device
  • Professor Masumi Yamada, Chiba University - Multiscale microfluidic devices incorporating porosity for cell handling applications
  • Professor Ryuji Yokokawa, Kyoto University - Integrating Organoid and Two/Three-Dimensional Microphysiological Systems (MPS)
  • Professor Moeto Nagai, Toyohashi University of Technology - Smart Microorganism-Driven Systems: From Vorticella to Volvox and Euglena for Miniature Autonomous Applications
  • Professor Teppei Araki, Osaka University - Ultra-Flexible and High Transparent Electronic Devices for E-Skin
  • Professor So Nagashima, Nagoya University - Controlling the formation of bio-inspired surface patterns using hydrogels
  • Professor Shingo Shimoda, Nagoya University - Awareness AI: Intervening in Human Behavior without Conscious Cognition
  • Professor Jian Huang, Huazhong University of Science and Technology - Human-Gaze-Driven Assistive Robotic System
  • Professor Tetsuyou Watanabe, Kanazawa University - Robotic hand system based on minimalization
  • Professor Akio Namiki, Chiba University - Multi-Eye Vision Robot System for Dexterous Manipulation
  • Professor Yuki Funabora, Nagoya University - Introduction of FUNABOT: Fabric Utilized Natural Actuated roBOT
  • Professor Hiroki Ota, Yokohama National University - Highly Deformable Smart Interface Integrating a Stretchable Hybrid Device with Machine Learning
  • Professor Nabae Hiroyuki, Tokyo Institute of Technology - Self-excited Actuation towards Physical Intelligence
  • Professor Kazuo Kiguchi, Kyushu University - Control of Human Motion and Sensation with Vibration Stimulation
  • Professor Chen Fei, The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Learning Physical Human-Robot Collaboration from Embodied Human-Human Demonstrations
  • Professor Koji Sakai, NTT basic Research Laboratory, Engineered Neuronal Network-On-Chip for in Vitro Modeling of Neural Systems
  • Professor Yuta Kurashina, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Cell Culture and Drug Delivery System Using High-Power Ultrasonic Actuators
  • Professor Toshiya Sakata, The University of Tokyo, Live Monitoring of Cellular Respiration at Cell/Substrate Nanogap Electrical Interface with Solution-gated Field-Effect Transistor
  • Professor Yasutoshi Makino, Lightweight Object Manipulation Using an Airborne Ultrasound Phased Array