The images of these futuristic faces represent a major technological advance in the bio-hybrid robot sector.
A pink, flabby face, with bulging eyes and a smile that is hard to make out. If this rather strange vision doesn’t ring a bell, it has nevertheless gone viral in the press and on social networks in recent days. At the origin of this craze, a video published on the magazine’s website Cell Reports Physical Science. It shows robot faces with human-like skin and designed with human-like features.
“The prototype looks more like a Haribo than a human” comments, for example, la BBC. On X, internet users are worried about seeing these robots becoming increasingly humanoid and are talking about thee jeu «Detroit Become Human» by Quantic Dream. This game, released in 2018, addressed the moral questions behind the creation of androids that are increasingly similar to humans.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have designed skin made of collagen and elastin to give robots a human appearance.
Cell Reports Physical Science
This technology, worthy of a science fiction film, was born in Japan thanks to researchers from the University of Tokyo. To make robots even more human, they have developed a prototype of cellular skin created in the laboratory. It is composed of collagen and elastin whose small connecting tissues allow “fluid facial expressions and body movements,” can be read in the study. The texture is able to completely cover 3D structures.
Skin that regenerates
This is how the skin in question, placed on an animated face, is able to smile as in the video. “Inspired by this smile movement generated by the action of the zygomaticus major muscle, we created a robotic face covered with a dermis equivalent and a silicone layer connected to a slide via the perforation-type anchors the researchers detail in their study. The sliding motion can produce deformation of the silicone layer to generate the smile expression.”
Better yet, this new kind of skin is capable of “regenerating” scientists note. Because, once the gel is applied to the 3D structure, it is perforated to fix holes. Which are then filled with the collagen that allows this important regeneration. “Unlike other self-healing materials, which require heat or pressure to trigger adhesion to damaged surfaces, this counterpart can regenerate defects through cell proliferation without any triggers.”assures the head of the study, Professor Shoji Takeuchi. According to him, the exploitation of this model could find applications in industry cosmetics and in that of orthopedic surgery.
Bio-Hybrid Robots with Human-Like Skin: A Major Technological Advance
The world of robotics is constantly evolving, with researchers pushing boundaries to create machines that are increasingly sophisticated and human-like. Recently, a breakthrough in bio-hybrid robotics has captivated the public imagination – the development of robots with skin made of collagen and elastin, giving them a remarkably human appearance.
The Rise of Humanoid Robots with Realistic Skin
A research team at the University of Tokyo has engineered a revolutionary new type of skin for robots. This skin, created in a laboratory setting, is composed of collagen and elastin – the same materials found in human skin. This bio-engineered skin is incredibly flexible and allows the robots to exhibit lifelike facial expressions. Its ability to mimic the natural movement of human muscles makes it a significant leap forward in the field of robotics.
A Detailed Look at the New Skin Technology
To achieve this groundbreaking feat, the researchers meticulously designed a skin prototype that can be directly applied to 3D structures. An innovative technique utilizing collagen and elastin, along with small connecting tissues, allows for “fluid facial expressions and body movements.” The texture of the skin is highly adaptable and able to completely cover the contours of the robotic surface, enhancing its realism.
Mimicking Human Smiles with Robotic Skin
The research team focused on replicating the subtle nuances of human smiles. Inspired by the muscle movements involved in smiling, they successfully implemented a mechanism within the robotic face that allows for realistic smile expressions. The skin, connected to a slide, reacts to movement, achieving an incredibly convincing simulation of a smile.
This groundbreaking development could have profound implications for the future of robotics. Imagine robots with the ability to interact with humans in more natural and empathetic ways. With the ability to express emotions convincingly, these robots could play a significant role in fields such as healthcare, education, and customer service.
The Potential of Self-Healing Skin: A New Era in Robotics
This new type of bio-engineered skin has another fascinating property: it can regenerate itself. This groundbreaking development means that the robots’ skin can heal minor damage without the need for external intervention. This self-healing capability adds an entirely new dimension to the longevity and practicality of bio-hybrid robots.
The researchers emphasized the potential benefits of this innovative skin technology, noting potential applications in various industries. The self-healing aspect could revolutionize the field of cosmetics, offering a new approach to skincare. Additionally, its potential applications in orthopedic surgery are vast, opening up possibilities for advanced prosthetic limbs that can heal and adapt over time.
Ethical Considerations and the Future of Humanoid Robots
As technology progresses, we must also consider the potential ethical implications of creating increasingly humanoid robots. The development of robots with realistic skin raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence in society. What are the social and ethical responsibilities associated with creating robots that resemble us so closely? How do we ensure that these advancements are used for good and contribute to a positive and equitable future for all?
The development of robots equipped with bio-engineered skin is a pivotal moment in the evolution of robotics. While the prospect of such lifelike machines raises exciting possibilities, it also calls for careful consideration of the ethical implications and our role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.