Growing healthy resilient biological tissues on humanoid robots

Musculoskeletal robots may one day assist the growth of replacement tissue grafts for transplant patients. Researchers at the University of Oxford are beginning to investigate a potentially groundbreaking method for replacing damaged musculoskeletal tissues (such as muscle, tendons and ligaments), which remain unmet needs in regenerative medicine. The proposed approach, which involves growing tissue grafts directly on humanoid musculoskeletal robots, could result in healthier, stronger tissue prior to transplantation on a patient. Tissue engineering aims to produce biological tissue in vitro by a combination of cells, scaffolds, or matrices to support new tissue growth and bioreactors. Bioreactors are growth chambers where tissue constructs are grown and provide some form of mechanical stimulation.