About

Yuya Morimoto is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of bioengineering and robotics, best known for his groundbreaking work in biohybrid robotics — systems that integrate living biological tissues with synthetic mechanical components. His research has fundamentally advanced the field by demonstrating that cultured skeletal muscle tissues can serve as functional actuators, enabling robots to move, bend, and perform complex tasks in ways that closely mimic biological organisms. Morimoto's most influential contribution, "Biohybrid robot powered by an antagonistic pair of skeletal muscle tissues" (2018, 298 citations), established a compelling framework for muscle-driven locomotion that has inspired numerous subsequent studies. His earlier work on three-dimensional neuron–muscle constructs with neuromuscular junctions (196 citations) demonstrated the feasibility of recreating functional neural-muscular interfaces in vitro. Over the years, he has progressively scaled up complexity — from simple locomotion to a fully articulated biohybrid hand with multijointed fingers and, remarkably, a robot covered in living skin. His contributions also extend to soft robotics through variable stiffness actuator design. With over 800 cumulative citations, Morimoto's work is reshaping how researchers think about bio-integrated machines and the future of living robotic systems.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

11
H-Index
19
Papers
889
Total Citations
47
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Biohybrid robot powered by an antagonistic pair of skeletal muscle tissues
298 citations · 2018
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2023 (3 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 21
🏛 Institutions: Tokyo International University, The University of Tokyo, Keio University, Waseda University, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo University of Science

Top Papers

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    Living skin on a robot
    39 citations · 2022
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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 14 days ago