Scientists create self-healing real human-like skin, to be extensively used for robotics

The potential applications of this research are extensive. In the healthcare industry, for example, robots with lifelike, self-healing skin could assist the elderly, providing care and companionship. Image Credit: University of Tokyo

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have made a significant breakthrough in robotics by successfully grafting living, self-healing skin onto robots. This development paves the way for robots that not only move and think like humans but also look and heal like them.

The team, led by Michio Kawai, Minghao Nie, Haruka Oda, and Shoji Takeuchi, has created a method to attach living skin to robotic faces, resulting in lifelike robots capable of displaying human emotions.

The innovation centres around "perforation-type anchors," which are inspired by the ligaments in human skin. These anchors attach cultured skin to robotic surfaces through small perforations, similar to how human skin connects to underlying tissues.

This technique ensures the skin adheres securely, even on complex three-dimensional surfaces like faces, and can endure the rigours of daily interactions.

To showcase this technology, the researchers developed a robotic face that can express emotions, such as smiling. By using these perforation-type anchors, they successfully attached a lab-grown model of human skin to the robot's face.

The robot's smile is not merely a mechanical motion; it is a realistic expression made possible by the skin’s ability to naturally stretch and contract.

This advancement is not just about making robots appear more human; it also enhances their functionality. The artificial, but living skin can heal itself, similar to the human skin. This makes the robots more durable and suitable for long-term use. This self-repair capability is crucial for robots expected to operate in unpredictable environments where they might sustain damage.

The potential applications of this research are extensive. In the healthcare industry, robots with lifelike, self-healing skin could assist the elderly, providing care and companionship. In customer service and entertainment, such robots could offer more natural and effective interactions with humans. This breakthrough suggests a future where robots blend seamlessly into human environments, becoming companions rather than just tools.

The research, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of creating a true human-robot symbiosis. This development is expected to usher in a new era in robotics, where the distinctions between humans and machines become increasingly subtle.