Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a robot with a face made of living skin.
NPR reports that this innovative technology gives you the ability to smile. It also solves the problem “uncanny valley” problem that has plagued humanoid robots.
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Scientists use skin to make robots more human-like
“Uncanny Valley” is a term for the human appearance of a robot and their emotional responses. Professor Shoji Takeuchi said that they “(replicated) the human appearance…creating a face with the same surface material and structure as humans.” The educator is the team leader behind this revolutionary work. Furthermore, he stated that they could identify “new challenges, such as the need for superficial wrinkles and a thicker epidermis.” It helps “…to achieve a more human appearance.”
The living skin attached to the mechanical structure is the key to the robot’s realistic expressions. A layer of collagen gel containing human skin cells attaches to a system of tiny perforations, allowing the skin to move seamlessly with the underlying robotic structure. Furthermore, actuators power smiles.
Takeuchi’s Biohybrid Systems Lab has been cooking up all kinds of biology-inspired innovations, from self-healing skin to 35 printed lab-grown meats. However, this latest creation of a smiling robot face is truly next level!
Other ways this technology can be useful
“Self-healing is a very important thing — some chemical materials can be made to self-heal, but they require triggers like heat, pressure, or other signals…”Takeuchi revealed. He added, “…they also do not proliferate like cells.”
Furthermore, the researcher stated: “Biological skin repairs small lacerations like ours.” Furthermore, “...nerves and other organs of the skin can be added for use in detection…”
Additionally, the researchers say this work could also provide valuable insights into how human wrinkles form. Similar techniques could be used in cosmetics and plastic surgery to achieve more natural-looking results.
Guys, this robot is here serving faces and putting the “human” in “humanoid!”
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What do you think, roommates?