Researcher wins Falling Walls Lab Italy competition with plant-powered robot

'I’m excited to share HybriBot at a global event that brings together researchers, policymakers, political leaders, investors and companies. It’s also a wonderful chance to introduce my new lab at Imperial, and representing both Italy and Imperial makes it especially meaningful to me.’ Dr Isabella Fiorello Assistant Professor, Life Sciences

Unlike conventional robots, Dr Fiorello's HybriBot does not rely on batteries or electronic motors to move. Instead, it uses natural plant structures as biological actuators, turning part of a plant into a working component of the robot.

Wild oat fruits have structures called awns that naturally twist and bend in response to changes in humidity. Dr Fiorello, who has recently joined Imperial’s Department of Life Sciences as an Assistant Professor, has integrated these natural actuators with a biodegradable artificial biomimetic capsule to create a small robot capable of moving across complex environments, including soil.

The technology could eventually enable robots to deliver materials such as seeds or fertilisers directly into soil, with potential applications in reforestation and precision agriculture.

Dr Fiorello said: ‘Plants can do more than inspire a robot’s design: their natural structures can become working parts of the robot itself. That’s what makes HybriBot biohybrid, and it’s a direction I’m excited to explore further.’

From plant structures to robots

Biohybrid robotics combines biological components with artificial materials and robotic technologies. Rather than simply mimicking nature, HybriBot harnesses a natural plant mechanism to perform part of the robot’s function.

The awns of wild oat fruits respond to changes in humidity by changing shape. This movement can be harnessed to help propel the robot, allowing HybriBot to move without conventional motors or batteries. The approach could offer new ways of designing small-scale robots capable of interacting with complex and unstructured environments, where conventional robotic systems can face challenges.

HybriBot can penetrate soil and carry different types of cargo, including seeds or fertilisers. The technology is protected by an international patent, and its potential for targeted seed delivery in reforestation and precision agriculture is being explored.

Dr Fiorello said: ‘I was honestly surprised and very happy! It means a lot to see the work connect with people outside my field, and it’s a lovely recognition.’

Representing Italy and Imperial in Berlin

Winning First Prize at Falling Walls Lab Italy means Dr Fiorello will represent Italy at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin this November, where she will present HybriBot as part of the international competition. The summit brings together researchers, policymakers, investors, companies and other leaders from across the scientific and innovation community.

Dr Fiorello said: ‘I’m excited to share HybriBot at a global event that brings together researchers, policymakers, political leaders, investors and companies. It’s also a wonderful chance to introduce my new lab at Imperial, and representing both Italy and Imperial makes it especially meaningful to me.’