TechBreakthrough in human-like robotics: Tokyo scientists create adhesive skin

Breakthrough in human-like robotics: Tokyo scientists create adhesive skin

Scientists have grown human skin for robots that attaches to other tissues
Scientists have grown human skin for robots that attaches to other tissues
Images source: © X
Bartłomiej Nowak

30 June 2024 07:36

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have cultivated human skin with the properties of "adhering" to various surfaces. The effect is stunning. Is humanity now capable of creating a fully humanoid robot? For now, it seems that we are getting closer.

Researchers under the guidance of Professor Shoji Takeuchi from the University of Tokyo created human skin using a mixture of human cells grown on a collagen model, which was then placed on a 3D-printed resin base. The model they demonstrated the invention "moves" and has glass eyes - stunning sight.

However, this is not the breakthrough in this invention. The research team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi from the University of Tokyo, created skin with specially perforated anchors. These have the properties of "adhering" to other tissues.

(...) This material is strong and flexible thanks to ligament equivalents located in the deep layers of human and animal skin - reads a post on the X platform.

Scientists involved in the project — who published their findings in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science — believe that living skin could be a groundbreaking invention for future engineers. Creating humanoid robots that "feel" like humans seems a matter of time.

The goal of the project is to help robots better express emotions. Additionally, it has potential applications in cosmetology, as it develops wrinkles, allowing new cosmetic products to be tested - reports the Nexta agency in a post on the X platform.

The invention could have very broad applications. Scientists are focusing on the utility of the new skin in medicine. This includes training plastic surgeons, cosmetic research, and possibly even in drug development.