Japanese scientists from Tokyo University have successfully developed a smiling face using living human skin cells, intended for attachment to a humanoid robot. This innovative research aims to provide robots with realistic facial expressions, enhancing their interaction with humans.

The Process of Creating Living Skin for Robots

The research team utilized a cultured mix of human skin cells grown in a laboratory to develop the living tissue. This new skin, soft like real human skin, can self-repair, making it durable and resistant to ripping or tearing. The journal Cell Reports Physical Science published the study’s findings.

To recreate the skin’s natural flexibility, researchers mimicked the ligaments that tether human skin. They used tiny ropes made of flexible collagen and elastane, drilling small holes into the robot’s surface. They then applied a collagen-containing gel and attached the layer of artificial skin on top. This innovative method ensured that the new skin could move with the robot’s mechanical components without breaking.

Advancing Robotics with Realistic Skin

Professor Shoji Takeuchi, the lead researcher, explained the significance of their method. “By mimicking human skin-ligament structures and using specially made V-shaped perforations in solid materials, we found a way to bind the skin to complex structures,” he told the BBC. This technique not only enhances the robot’s appearance but also its functionality, allowing the skin to move naturally without tearing or peeling away.

Future Applications and Potential Impact

The team cautions that although this breakthrough represents a significant advancement in robotics, it will require many years of testing before commercialization. Their research’s implications extend beyond robotics, potentially impacting fields such as cosmetic science, skin aging research, and surgical procedures, including plastic surgery.

The creation of a robot with living human skin cells opens up new possibilities for developing more lifelike and interactive robots. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds promise for improving human-robot interactions and advancing various scientific and medical fields.

The information is taken from NDTV and and News18