Chinese scientists develop biohybrid aquatic robot powered by frog muscle

Researchers at the Shenyang Institute of Automation, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a biohybrid aquatic robot that mimics the movement of a stingray using real frog muscle tissue.

Published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, the study details how a muscle fragment from a bullfrog leg serves as the propulsion mechanism instead of a traditional motor. The system is controlled wirelessly via infrared light; small solar panels on the robot's surface convert light into electrical signals that trigger muscle contractions. By projecting laser light onto specific solar panels, researchers can control the robot's direction, allowing it to swim straight, turn, or perform U-turns.

In laboratory tests, the muscle remained responsive for up to 11 days, and the robot successfully operated for one week. The device can carry payloads of up to five grams and reach speeds equivalent to twice its body length per second.