In a groundbreaking development, Japanese scientists have successfully created a method to attach living skin to robot faces, enabling more realistic facial expressions, including smiles. This innovative approach, inspired by human skin ligaments, was developed by a team at Tokyo University, according to reporting by the BBC.
While the current prototype may not yet achieve a fully human-like appearance, researchers believe it marks a significant step towards creating convincingly realistic, moving humanoids. The artificial skin, developed in the laboratory using living cells, possesses the ability to self-heal if cut, mirroring the properties of human skin.
Professor Shoji Takeuchi, the lead researcher, said, "By mimicking human skin-ligament structures and by using specially made V-shaped perforations in solid materials, we found a way to bind skin to complex structures."
Previous attempts to attach artificial skin to robots faced challenges, with methods such as using mini hooks as anchors causing damage during movement. To overcome this obstacle, the team drew inspiration from the human body, where skin is tethered to underlying structures by ligaments composed of flexible collagen and elastane.
The researchers implemented their solution by drilling numerous small holes into the robot and applying a collagen-containing gel, followed by a layer of artificial skin. This gel acts as a plug for the holes and securely tethers the skin to the robot. "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," Takeuchi explained.
The team's findings, published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, demonstrate that this new method can be applied to complex, curved, and even moving surfaces. However, the researchers caution that it will take many more years of testing before this technology becomes an everyday reality. Takeuchi acknowledged the work ahead, stating, "Another important challenge is creating human-like expressions by integrating sophisticated actuators, or muscles, inside the robot."
Beyond its applications in robotics, this research may have far-reaching implications in various fields. The technology could potentially contribute to studies on skin aging, advancements in cosmetics, and improvements in surgical procedures, including plastic surgery.
