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Research Breakthrough at Tokyo University: Attaching Living Skin Cells to Robot Faces
Context:
Scientists at Tokyo University have developed a method to attach living skin cells to robot faces, enabling more realistic smiles and human-like expressions.
Overview of the Research:
- The research seeks to boost robots‘ sensing capabilities by using biological skin to better replicate human sensory features compared to synthetic materials.
- The research was led by Professor, who drew inspiration from human skin ligaments to create ‘anchors’ using collagen gel applied to small V-shaped holes on the robot’s surface.
- This method offers a seamless and durable attachment, allowing for mechanical movement of the robot’s skin without tearing or damage.
- Material Used: Collagen, a protein found in human skin, was used along with human dermal fibroblasts, the primary cell type in connective tissue, to create a flexible and strong adhesion method.
- Healing Capability: this allows robots to potentially heal their own skin tissue, similar to how humans do, enhancing durability and longevity.
- Living tissue has numerous advantages over metals and plastics, ranging from the energy efficiency of brains and muscles to skin’s ability to repair itself.
- Future Applications: The technology holds promise beyond robotics, potentially aiding in fields such as skin ageing research, plastic surgery, and cosmetics development.
- Comparison with Existing Robots: While robots like Ameca and Sophia have advanced AI and facial expressions, they often lack realistic skin and movements, creating an “uncanny valley” effect.
Structure and Function of the Skin: |
