Revolutionary Robotic Arm Made of Human Tissue Developed in Japan and Spain

JPJapan|

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have made significant strides in bioengineering by developing a robotic arm made from human muscle tissue. This innovative arm, measuring 18 centimeters, can mimic natural movements and even contract like real muscles, according to Professor Masaharu Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo.

The collaboration aims to create prosthetics that not only function like human limbs but are also capable of regeneration, utilizing the patient’s own cells. The arm relies on cable-driven mechanics and is stimulated electrically to achieve finger movements similar to those of a natural hand.

IBEC researchers are enhancing this technology by designing integrated stimulation systems that emulate real muscle responses. Samuel Sánchez, the IBEC director, indicated that the project has evolved from simple shapes to complex, functional muscle structures, advancing possibilities for drug testing and soft robotics.

Despite the promising advancements, challenges such as ensuring the long-term viability of tissues and vascularization remain hurdles to be overcome, as emphasized by both teams.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Japan

Japanese Taxi Driver Arrested for Drugging and Assaulting 50 Women with Evidence of 3,000 Videos

A 54-year-old former taxi driver in Japan has been arrested on charges of drugging and raping multiple female passengers, with police recovering nearly 3,000 videos and images of the assaults. The suspect, identified as Satoshi Tanaka, was taken into custody following an incident where he allegedly gave sleeping pills to a woman in her twenties, resulting in her losing consciousness during a taxi ride. According to The Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanaka then transported her to his home, where he reportedly filmed the sexual assault. A Tokyo police spokesman confirmed the charges include non-consensual sexual intercourse and violations related to filming intimate acts. Traces of sleeping pills were reportedly found in the victim's hair. Tanaka's alleged crimes date back to 2008, as police continue to investigate the vast amount of disturbing footage found on his devices. He was previously arrested in October for drugging another woman and robbing her of approximately $270 (or 40,000 yen), but was released before being apprehended again for this latest series of offenses.
JPJapan

Japanese Taxi Driver Arrested for Drugging and Assaulting 50 Women

A 54-year-old former taxi driver in Japan, Satoshi Tanaka, has been arrested on charges of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple female passengers. According to reports from The Yomiuri Shimbun and Jiji Press, police discovered nearly 3,000 videos and images depicting Tanaka's assaults on around 50 women, which were recorded in his taxi and home. The arrest followed an incident where Tanaka allegedly gave sleeping pills to a woman in her twenties in 2024, causing her to lose consciousness before he assaulted her and filmed the act. "The man got a woman... to take sleeping pills, which caused her to lose consciousness... and committed an indecent act," a Tokyo police spokesman stated. This is not Tanaka's first brush with the law; he was arrested previously for allegedly drugging another woman and stealing approximately 40,000 yen (around $370). Media reports indicate that traces of sleeping pills were found in the victim's hair, further supporting claims against Tanaka.
JPJapan

Japan Unveils Advanced Railgun to Counter Hypersonic Missiles

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has introduced a ship-mounted electromagnetic railgun capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles. The weapon was showcased aboard the experimental JS Asuka during recent testing, aimed at enhancing national security in response to rising threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, according to officials. Unlike traditional munitions that rely on explosives, the railgun utilizes electromagnetic energy to launch projectiles at speeds exceeding 2,500 meters per second. This represents a significant increase over conventional artillery, which operates at approximately 1,750 meters per second. This advanced capability allows for rapid and cost-effective defenses against fast-moving missile threats. The development of the railgun began in 2016, with its first onboard firing test conducted in October 2023. Vice Admiral Omachi Katsushi, commander of the Self Defense Fleet, inspected the weapon's progress and emphasized its role in bolstering Japan’s military readiness. This initiative comes as Japan previously estimated it possessed only 60% of the interceptor missiles required for adequate national defense as of 2022.
JPJapan
All Japan News ->