Bioengineers have created facial skin for robots from skin cells and extracellular matrix, similar to human skin. Scientists have also developed a method to attach this skin to robot faces using anchors, enabling the robots to express emotions, such as smiling, according to Cell website.
Scientists at the University of Tokyo in Japan have created artificial skin in the laboratory using living cells. This skin is not only soft like the real thing but also capable of self-repair if cut.
This scientific breakthrough not only paves the way for creating realistic humanoid robots but also has potential applications in the study of skin aging, cosmetics, and surgical procedures, including plastic surgery.
The scientists also found a way to attach the living skin to robot faces. Initially, the team tried using mini-hooks as anchors, but these damaged the skin during movement.
They then considered another option. In humans, the skin is attached by ligaments - tiny ropes made of flexible collagen and elastin. To recreate something similar, the researchers drilled numerous small holes in the robot and applied a gel containing collagen, followed by a layer of artificial skin on top. The gel fills the holes and attaches the skin to the robot.
Scientists created skin for robots (Photo: cell.com)
Scientists created skin for robots (Photo: cell.com)
To confirm that the artificial skin is suitable for robot faces, the researchers applied it to a 3D face mold. The skin proved resistant to stretching and firmly adhered to the artificial face after a week of cell cultivation.
On a 2D face mold, the scientists even managed to make the robot smile using analogs of facial muscles. Although the technology is not yet perfect, its use can also help us understand how facial wrinkles form on human skin and how to counteract them.
"By mimicking this structure, our method offers a less restrictive placement by eliminating the drawbacks of the conventional protrusion anchors and maintaining the robot’s aesthetic integrity. This involves applying a skin-forming cell-laden gel both onto and into specially designed V-shaped holes in the robot’s structure," said lead researcher, Professor Shoji Takeuchi.
However, according to the scientists, many years of testing will be needed before the technology becomes a daily reality.
The professor added that another important challenge is creating human expressions by integrating complex actuators or muscles inside the robot.
Previously, we reported on how researchers teach robots to feel pain.