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International Journal of Bioprinting Bioprinting for wearable tech and robot

natural properties. The approach enhanced cell adhesion epitomize the convergence of advanced multidisciplinary
and prevented cell loss during therapy, providing insights approaches to achieve human-like functionality and
into cell-exoskeleton interactions for future biohybrid autonomy. Such robots are of particular interest due
designs. Additionally, bioprinted sensors embedded to their potential applications in diverse fields, such as
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within exoskeletons could provide real-time feedback industry and service. 124
on muscle engagement and biomechanical strain, which Traditionally, robotic technology has played a crucial
may promote optimal alignment and movement patterns. role in bioprinting by facilitating practical applications
Zhao et al. developed biomass-based conductive polymer of new concepts and materials. Incorporated with
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hydrogels, consisting of a polyacrylamide/2-hydroxypropyl precise and automated systems, robotics has enabled the
trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PAM/HACC) intricate and reproducible layering necessary for creating
network, to enhance the functionality and sustainability of complex biological structures. This contribution is crucial
wearable apparatus. The integration of HACC boosted the for positioning biomaterials with high precision, which is
hydrogel’s mechanical strength and stability. Embedding essential for maintaining viability and functional integrity.
polypyrrole (PPy) into these networks provided the Advances in bioprinting offer intriguing prospects for
hydrogels with excellent electromagnetic shielding (40 dB) enhancing robotics, particularly in the development
and strain sensitivity (gauge factor = 2.56). Based on these of human-like robots. Conventional robotic systems
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properties, the novel material is suitable for developing mainly rely on solid materials that may lack the
exoskeletal equipment. Particularly, the combination of biomechanical intricacy and adaptability of natural
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motor system repair and bioprinted exoskeleton robotics biological systems. Bioprinting is capable of fabricating
exemplifies the convergence of regenerative medicine biohybrid components that mimic the structure and
and biomedical engineering. The skeleton motor system function of the human body. Moreover, bioprinting can
comprises three parts: bones, bone connections (joints), create artificial skin, muscles, or sensory organs that are
and skeletal muscles. Bones form the skeleton through biomechanically and biochemically akin to their natural
bone connections, while skeletal muscles attach to bones, counterparts. These biofabricated components can be
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spanning across joints and pulling on bones to generate integrated into humanoid robots, rendering them more
movement. Extensive tissue damage to the musculoskeletal lifelike in appearance and functionality. Such components
system has long been a challenge in clinical treatment. could be crucial in creating robots capable of more natural
Autologous bone grafting is commonly used to treat bone interactions within human environments or for specialized
tissue injuries but is limited by the availability of donor site tasks in hazardous conditions where conventional robots
grafts. Bioprinting can emulate the hierarchical structure might fail. The combination of bioprinting and robotics
and function of natural bone by combining hydrogels has the potential to advance both fields and transform
with various cells and growth factors to create tissue societal perceptions and applications of robots.
engineering scaffolds that enhance bone regeneration.
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Similarly, the development of exoskeleton robots will The integration of AI and robotics into various fields
benefit from bioprinting by providing highly customized can further promote the prospect of interdisciplinary
and biocompatible structures that enhance the user’s applications. Embodied intelligence is often considered
natural movements. This synergy leverages the cutting- a quintessential goal in AI and robotics, representing
edge capabilities of bioprinting and robotic technologies the development of cognitive processes with physical
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to create integrated therapeutic solutions for individuals action within an environment. This concept refers
suffering from motor system impairments. 123 to the ability of an AI system to interact with the world
through a physically instantiated system, such as a robot,
Although bioprinting and exoskeleton research which integrates sensory feedback into its decision-
currently exhibit minimal convergence, the escalating making processes. The connection between embodied
demands for smarter, lighter, and more comfortable intelligence and bioprinting might not be immediately or
multifunctional exoskeletons are likely to drive a significant easily obvious, but it holds profound implications. For
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increase in bioprinting applications. instance, bioprinted actuators or sensors can enhance the
5.3. Bioprinting of humanoid robots physical capabilities of robots, leading to more responsive
The framework of robots is conceptually analogous to the and adaptable embodied agents.
human skeletal structure, as both serve as foundational Bioprinting could bridge the gaps between mechanical
supports that facilitate movement and structural integrity. systems and biomechanical factors, pushing the
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Nowadays, the development of humanoid robots is being boundaries of robot capabilities and reshaping the scope of
positioned at the forefront in the field of robotics, as they AI in embodied systems.

Volume 10 Issue 6 (2024) 30 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3590