Researchers suggest that endowing robots with a human-like appearance can enhance their communication abilities and increase their likability among people. This concept is particularly essential in sectors such as healthcare and service industries where robots are increasingly utilized. To achieve this, scientists have developed living human skin for robots that is not only water-repellent but also capable of self-healing.
The integration of living skin on robots aims to make them more relatable to humans by imparting a sense of vitality and touch resembling that of a living being. In the creation process, a robotic finger is immersed in collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, the fundamental elements of skin’s connective tissues. By doing this, the researchers were able to simulate a skin-like appearance that had a natural texture and moisture-retaining properties.
Prof. Shoji Takeuchi from the University of Tokyo highlighted the significance of this advancement by stating that the living skin layer on the robot’s finger not only mimics the real thing but also moves in harmony with the finger’s motions. He emphasized the innovation in creating a seamless skin coverage on the robot’s surface without the need for intricate cutting and tailoring, thanks to a novel tissue moulding technique.
The success of this endeavor lies in the natural shrinking behavior of the collagen and fibroblast composite, which tightly adheres to the robot’s surface and offers a consistent base for the subsequent layer of human skin cells. These cells, accounting for 90% of the outermost skin layer, grant the robot a skin-like texture, flexibility, and the ability to retain moisture. Additionally, the fabricated skin exhibits water-repelling characteristics and possesses self-healing capabilities with the application of a collagen bandage.
Prof. Takeuchi expressed his astonishment at how well the living skin tissue conforms to the robot’s contours, highlighting its potential to create robots that not only look but also feel like living creatures. The groundbreaking research has been published in the journal Matter, signifying a significant step forward in the ongoing evolution of robotics.
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