Are robots getting a little too lifelike for comfort? With the latest advancements in technology, scientists have developed a technique for attaching skin made from living human cells to a robotic framework. This new development allows robots to have the ability to emote and communicate better, bridging the gap between man and machine like never before.
Imagine a robot with a realistic human-like face, complete with facial expressions and the ability to smile. This isn’t just a scene from a sci-fi movie anymore – it’s becoming a reality. By incorporating living human skin cells into the construction of a robot’s face, scientists are able to create a more lifelike appearance and enhance the robot’s communication abilities.
While the idea of robots with human-like skin may seem exciting, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. One major concern is the ethical implications of using living human cells in this way. Some may argue that creating robots with human-like features blurs the line between man and machine, raising questions about the rights and treatment of these robotic beings.
Another downside to using living human skin cells on robots is the maintenance and care required. Just like human skin, the skin on these robots will need to be moisturized, protected from the elements, and possibly even replaced over time. This can add complexity and cost to the upkeep of these robots, making them less practical for certain applications.
While the use of living human cells in robotics may raise some ethical concerns, no harm is done to any living beings in the process of creating these robots.
As scientists continue to push the boundaries of robotics and artificial intelligence, it is important to consider the implications of these technologies on society as a whole. By developing robots with the ability to display emotion, we are opening up a world of possibilities for how humans and robots can interact and collaborate in the future.
Takeuchi and colleagues developed their robotic face by initially 3D-printing a resin foundation that contained perforation-type anchors. Subsequently, they introduced a blend of human skin cells within a collagen scaffold, facilitating the growth of living tissue into the anchors.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Harvard University, and the International Research Center for Neurointelligence have developed a technique to create lifelike robotic skin using living human cells. They engineered a small robotic face capable of smiling, covered entirely with a layer of pink living tissue. The researchers used commercially available human cells, including Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs) and Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEKs), to create the living skin layer. They cultured the cells in specialized growth media and used “perforation-type anchors” inspired by natural skin ligaments to attach the living tissue to the robotic surface. The engineered skin is flexible enough to convey emotions, but it currently lacks sensory capabilities and requires constant nutrient supply, limiting its lifespan. The researchers hope to address these issues with further refinement of the technology, which they believe could have applications in fields like reconstructive medicine, drug testing, and the cosmetics industry.
The researchers believe that their technique could be used to improve human-robot communication, tissue engineering, and potentially replace real human test subjects in certain experiments. Additionally, they observed the formation of expression lines analogous to human wrinkles, indicating potential applications in cosmetics testing and the orthopedic surgery industry.
The study, authored by Shoji Takeuchi and colleagues, introduces “perforation-type anchors” that facilitate the attachment of cultured skin to robotic surfaces, mimicking the natural bonding of human skin.
A fibroblast is a unique structural cell that plays a crucial role in the development of connective tissue. Keratinocytes, on the other hand, are the predominant cell type found in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, constituting approximately 90 percent of the cells in that layer, as stated on PromoCell’s website.
The researchers began by acquiring the necessary cells and subsequently cultured them in specialized growth media to develop a living skin layer. To ensure the viability of the skin cells, they employed a unique growth medium enriched with antibiotics to prevent bacterial contamination. According to the study, the dermal fibroblasts were nurtured in a “Fibroblast growth medium (DMEM with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, and 70 mg/mL L-ascorbic acid phosphate magnesium salt n-hydrate).” Meanwhile, the epidermal keratinocytes thrived in a “keratinocyte growth medium (Keratinocyte Growth Medium 3 Kit with 1% penicillin-streptomycin).”
The researchers emphasize that the growth media for both NHDFs and NHEKs were refreshed every two days. This consistent renewal of the media ensured that the cells received the essential nutrients required to sustain their vitality throughout the experiment.
The use of real human skin cells raises ethical concerns; however, the researchers emphasize that their primary objective is to enhance communication between humans and robots while advancing tissue engineering. They anticipate that their methods will be applicable not only in robotics but also in areas such as reconstructive medicine and drug testing. By cultivating artificial skin layers from actual cells, they can avoid the need for real human test subjects.
In addition to improving robotic interactions, the research team sees potential for their technique in cosmetics testing. By continuously activating their robot’s smiling face, they noted the development of expression lines similar to human wrinkles.
The study highlights: “A crucial next step in this research is to utilize this model to deepen our understanding of the processes involved in wrinkle formation. Furthermore, applying this insight to replicate such expressions on a chip could have significant implications for both the cosmetics and orthopedic surgery industries.”
Researchers emphasize that there are still considerable challenges to overcome before this technology can be utilized in full-scale humanoid robots. The current version of the engineered skin lacks sensory functions and depends on a continuous supply of nutrients, which restricts its viability in open environments. To tackle these challenges, the team aims to integrate new mechanisms that will enhance the skin’s longevity.
With ongoing advancements, living robotic skin has the potential to develop coverings for machines that are not only lifelike but also genuinely living. In the future, these creations might endure long enough to witness attack ships ablaze off the shoulder of Orion or observe C-beams shimmering in the darkness near the Tannhäuser Gate.
Final Note: Cultural attitudes towards technology, personhood, and the nature of existence can significantly influence how society views and accepts humanoid robots. In some cultures, there may be a higher resistance to the idea of machines resembling humans due to religious or philosophical beliefs about life and creation.
Addtional Information:
New AI Robot with Human Brain Shocks the World! (They’ve Crossed the Line)
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