Robotic flexing: biologically inspired artificial muscles made from motor proteins

Motor proteins form microscopic biological machines that are essential to many types of movement, from the swimming of bacteria to the contraction of muscles. However, integrating motor proteins efficiently into macroscopic robotic systems is challenging. In a recent study, scientists from Japan devised a biologically inspired strategy to produce artificial muscle that self-assembles from motor proteins. Their approach, compatible with modern 3D printing, paves the way for printable robots that further resemble living creatures.