Are we living in the age of Cyborgs? : Smiling Robot made of living human cells

In a groundbreaking advancement, researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to attach living human skin cells to robots, allowing them to exhibit human-like expressions and movements. This innovation’s frankly terrifying smile could perturb you however it combines mechanical engineering with genetic and tissue engineering, could revolutionise human-robot interactions, particularly in fields such as healthcare, service, and companionship.

The research team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi, has created a flexible 3-D facial mould using living skin cells, which they successfully attached to robotic faces. This novel technique not only conceals the binding between the skin and the robot but also provides the elasticity required for the robot to display a range of human expressions, from smiles to grimaces.

“Our goal is to improve communication and empathy in human-robot interactions, making robots more effective in their roles,” said Professor Takeuchi. The skin, referred to as a "skin equivalent," can scar, burn, and self-heal, adding a layer of durability and protection to the robot's complex machinery.

This innovative skin attachment method represents a significant step forward in the field of "biohybrid" robotics. Biohybrid robots integrate mechanical components with biological materials, enhancing their ability to perform tasks traditionally done by humans. In 2022, the same team developed a robotic finger covered in living skin, enabling the digit to bend like a human finger and perform precise tasks.

To anchor the skin to the robot without causing tears, the researchers drilled small, V-shaped holes into the robot and filled them with a collagen gel. This gel mimics ligaments, the tissue that connects bones, providing a secure yet flexible attachment for the artificial skin.

While the current prototypes do not have the ability to sense touch or temperature changes, the researchers are working towards creating skin that closely mimics real human skin. Future developments aim to incorporate essential components such as blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles.

“Creating skin that mimics real skin functionality is our next research target,” Professor Takeuchi said. This advancement could lead to robots that not only look human but also feel human.

The scientists' goal is "to endow robots with the self-healing capabilities inherent in biological skin", but they are not there yet.

The potential for robots with human-like skin extends beyond expressiveness. A surface that can self-repair is critical for maintaining the functionality of robots, especially in industrial settings where damage to machinery can lead to malfunctions. According to the International Federation of Robotics, there were 3.9 million industrial robots in use worldwide in 2022, with humanoid robots being a particularly exciting area of development.

Despite the promising advancements, mass market adoption of humanoid robots faces challenges, primarily due to the complexity and cost of production. However, with the Chinese government's goal to mass-produce humanoids by 2025, significant strides in productivity and technological integration are anticipated.

As researchers continue to refine the integration of biological and mechanical systems, the science fiction fantasy of creating robots that closely resemble and interact like humans is becoming a reality. The advancements made by Professor Takeuchi and his team at the University of Tokyo are paving the way for more sophisticated, human-like robots that could transform various sectors, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.