A group of researchers has created a “living skin” for humanoid robots that adheres better to surfaces and has the ability to regenerate like human skin, according to a study published this Tuesday (06/25/2024) by the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
Artificial skin has been used in several experiments in the past to make robots as similar to humans as possible. However, many of these fabrics have been created with synthetic materials, such as latex, which do not necessarily fit well on the robot.
A pioneering experiment
Past robotics experiments have used an “anchor,” a hook- or mushroom-shaped structure that allows artificial skin to be attached to a metal frame. However, such structures could cause bulges in the artificial skin and make the robot lose its human appearance.
To solve this problem, the “living skin,” which was created using cultured human skin cells, has the equivalent of ligaments, allowing it to be attached more firmly to the base and giving it almost natural flexibility.
Resiliency
Experts call these ligaments “drill-type anchors.” Tiny V-shaped cavities were drilled in the base and subsequently filled with living tissue, allowing the robot’s skin to adhere more firmly.
Additionally, the skin developed by the researchers, which is layered on the robot, can repair small tears or similar disfigurements without the need for manual repair.
“We developed and characterized perforation-type anchors inspired by the structure of skin ligaments as a technique to effectively adhere skin equivalents to robotic surfaces,” the study says.
Try a robot smile
The tests of this “living skin” were carried out on two prototypes: one with a flat robotic face that has the ability to smile, and then with a second three-dimensional robotic head, but this one did not have the ability to move.
According to the authors, with the “puncture-type anchor,” the skin could fit tightly to a 3D mold of a face, without the need for protruding pins or hooks to spoil its appearance.
“As the development of AI technology and other advances expand the functions required of robots, the functions required of robot skin also begin to change,” says lead author Michio Kawai in statements collected by New Scientist.
Limitations and things to improve
Kawai also said he hopes that human-like skin could help robots communicate better with people in the future. However, the fabric created still has many limitations.
“First, we need to improve the durability and longevity of cultured skin when applied to robots, especially by addressing issues related to nutrient and moisture delivery,” co-author Shoji Takeuchi tells Live Science.
“Secondly, it is crucial to improve the mechanical strength of the skin to match that of natural human skin. This involves optimizing the structure and concentration of collagen within the cultured skin,” adds Takeuchi.
Kawai, meanwhile, argues that “the lack of sensory functions and the absence of blood vessels to supply nutrients and moisture means that[the skin]cannot survive for long.”
Edited by José Urrejola, with information from Live Science, New Scientist and Cell Reports Physical Science.
