Soft robots, which are constructed from flexible materials, are expected to have applications in natural environment surveys and disaster rescue operations due to their flexibility and environmental adaptability. Among their various functions, "luminescence" is particularly important for information transmission and environmental recognition. However, conventional electroluminescence and chemiluminescence require external power sources such as batteries, which pose challenges in terms of energy efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. The application of bioluminescence—which is harmless and environmentally friendly—in engineering fields has been limited.
A research team led by Associate Professor Jun Shintake from the Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering at the University of Electro-Communications and Lecturer Atsuro Oishi from the School of Medicine at Kyorin University has successfully introduced the bioluminescence mechanism of fireflies and deep-sea organisms into soft robotics. The research team modified the bioluminescent protein "Nanolantern," originally developed at the University of Osaka, and had it secreted by mammalian cultured cells into culture medium. They successfully mass-produced a bioluminescent liquid that emits light strong enough to be visible to the naked eye. Using this liquid as a material, they developed luminescent electrodes applicable to soft robotics. These electrodes were applied to actuators and sensors that operate using electrostatic force and confirmed their stable operation. Furthermore, they advanced the developed actuator to create a waterproof jellyfish-type robot, demonstrating that it could swim through darkness while illuminating like a real jellyfish.
This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of soft robots utilizing bioluminescence, which is safe, environmentally friendly, and highly energy efficient. In the future, the optimization of luminescence duration and intensity is expected to lead to the realization of robots with high visibility and practicality. This research was conducted through a connection made at the "First Fusion Forum" organized by JST's FOREST (Fusion Oriented REsearch for disruptive Science and Technology) program.
(Article: Ayano Nakajima, JST Public Relations Division)
