Japanese scientists have made headlines with their creation of a robot with a smiling face made from living human skin. The team from Tokyo University used cultured human skin cells grown in a lab to create this innovative technology, which was published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
The researchers used soft and repairable tissue to make the robot’s face more similar to real human skin. To ensure that the skin could move with the robot without tearing or peeling away, they recreated ligaments using specially made collagen and elastane ropes. This strong method of adhesion allowed for realistic movements.
Lead researcher Prof Shoji Takeuchi explained how mimicking human skin-ligament structures and using V-shaped perforations in solid materials allowed for the successful binding of the skin to complex robot structures. While this technology shows promise, the team noted that it would take several years of testing before it could be used commercially. They also highlighted potential applications in skin aging research, cosmetics, and surgical procedures like plastic surgery.
