The article Biohybrid organoid-robot sensing for olfaction intelligence (Nan Jiang et al., Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2026) presents a transformative leap in artificial olfaction. Researchers developed a biohybrid organoid-robot (BOR) system that integrates organoid-based olfactory sensors with robotic platforms, enabling machines to detect, decode, and respond to odor signals. Unlike traditional electronic noses, organoid-derived sensors harness the sensitivity and specificity of biological olfactory tissue, allowing detection of low-concentration odors with rapid response times. These sensors were coupled with membrane electrode interfaces to convert odor signals into bioelectrical outputs, which were then decoded using machine learning algorithms. The BOR system closes the loop by triggering robotic actions based on odor recognition, creating a perception–interpretation–action cycle that mimics natural olfactory processing. This innovation not only advances artificial intelligence toward embodied sensory systems but also opens applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety, where precise odor detection is critical. Challenges remain in scaling organoid cultivation, ensuring long-term stability, and refining real-time decoding accuracy. Nevertheless, this study marks a pivotal step toward human-like sensory integration in robotics, bridging biology and technology to create machines capable of “smelling” their environment.

Citation: Jiang N. et al., Biohybrid organoid-robot sensing for olfaction intelligence, Biosens Bioelectron, 2026, doi:10.1016/j.bios.2026.119107