Inspired by the relatively simple morphological blueprint provided by batoid fish such as
stingrays and skates, we created a biohybrid system that enables an artificial animal—a
tissue-engineered ray—to swim and phototactically follow a light cue. By patterning
dissociated rat cardiomyocytes on an elastomeric body enclosing a microfabricated gold
skeleton, we replicated fish morphology at 1=10 scale and captured basic fin deflection
patterns of batoid fish. Optogenetics allows for phototactic guidance, steering, and turning
maneuvers. Optical stimulation induced sequential muscle activation via serpentinepatterned muscle circuits, leading to coordinated undulatory swimming. The speed and
direction of the ray was controlled by modulating light frequency and by independently
eliciting right and left fins, allowing the biohybrid machine to maneuver through an
obstacle course.