World's first robotic face made from living skin cells created

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Express newspaper

28/06/2024 20:56

Japanese scientists have successfully created a robotic face that can smile, with real human-like skin, marking a significant breakthrough.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how to attach lab-grown skin to mechanical faces, allowing robots to mimic human-like gestures.

They said the breakthrough would open the door to developing more realistic humanoid robots with greater mobility and sensitivity. The researchers also said the engineering feat holds promise for the cosmetics industry and for training plastic surgeons. The skin is not only soft, but can also self-regenerate if damaged, mimicking the ligaments of human skin.

The team of scientists had tried using mini-clips as anchors, but they tore the experimental skin when the robot started moving. To recycle the elastic ligaments in human skin, they drilled small holes in the robot's face and used a collagen gel to attach the lab-grown skin to it.

Professor Shoji Takeuchi, lead researcher: "By mimicking the structure of human skin ligaments and using V-shaped holes with strong materials, we found a way to connect the skin to complex structures. The skin's natural flexibility and strong adhesion method mean that the skin does not tear with movement."

Professor Takeuchi, a pioneer in the field of biohybrid robotics, hopes to improve the thickness of the skin and make it look as realistic as possible, by adding sweat glands, pores, blood vessels, fat and nerves.

Another challenge, according to him, will be creating human-like habits by integrating sophisticated actuators or muscles within the robot.

His lab has already created walking robots using biological muscle tissue, 3D-printed flesh, and self-regenerating artificial skin. Earlier this month, EXROBOTS, a Chinese company, unveiled its highly realistic humanoid robot heads that can mimic facial expressions and emotions.

Complete with a smile, a beard and the ability to stick out their tongues, their creators say the £162,600 humanoids are among the most advanced in the world.