Photo Credit: Cell Reports Physical Science x GGD News
In Japan, a team of scientists have created a ‘smiley face’ robot wearing live skin. To work, the innovative material binds to a layer of collagen gel and mimics the human skin cell structure. Researchers believe the advancement will help expand the field of robotics, allowing engineers to create mechanical projects with more life-like expressions and sophisticated, sensory capabilities. The live, artificial skin molds easily on to mechanical structures and can even repair itself. Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed the material in a lab using living, blended skin cells. The prototype has green eyes, a smiley face and pink skin; but still looks a bit creepy, and not exactly human-like.
Photo Credit: Cell Reports Physical Science x GGD News
In an interview with the BBC, lead researcher Professor Shoji Takeuchi explained, “The natural flexibility of the skin and the strong method of adhesion mean the skin can move with the mechanical components of the robot, without tearing or peeling away.”
In the future (with additional research and testing), the breakthrough artificial, live skin is believed to help advance multiple fields; including plastic surgery, cosmetic chemistry, dermatology, and skin aging. Go get more data here.
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