Futures

Development of Lifelike Robotic Skin Using Living Human Cells: A New Technique, (from page 20240707.)

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Summary

Researchers from the University of Tokyo, Harvard University, and the International Research Center for Neurointelligence have developed a technique for creating lifelike robotic skin using living human cells. They engineered a small robotic face capable of smiling, covered with pink living tissue, which is flexible and can potentially self-repair. The study introduces a method for attaching cultured skin to robots using perforation-type anchors inspired by skin ligaments, allowing the tissue to bond securely. The robotic face demonstrates the ability to move and express emotions, highlighting the potential for more lifelike social robots. The study, authored by Shoji Takeuchi and colleagues, is set to be published in Cell Reports Physical Science.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Lifelike Robotic Skin Researchers developed robotic skin using living human cells for emotional expression. Robotic coverings evolving from synthetic to living materials for enhanced emotional interaction. Robots may possess more realistic emotional expressions and self-healing capabilities, improving human-robot interaction. Advancements in biotechnology and the need for more relatable social robots. 4
Self-Healing Technology in Robotics Living skin allows robots to potentially repair themselves after damage. Shift from static robotic structures to dynamic, self-repairing systems using biological materials. Future robots could autonomously heal, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing longevity. Desire for more resilient and autonomous robotic systems in various applications. 5
Integration of Biotechnology in Robotics Use of human cells in robotics signifies a blend of biology and technology. Transition from purely mechanical robots to biohybrid systems integrating living tissues. Biohybrid robots could become commonplace, blurring the lines between living organisms and machines. The merging of biological sciences with engineering to enhance robotic capabilities. 4
Emotional Expression in Robotics Robots with flexible skin can convey emotions more effectively. Robots evolving from functional tools to entities capable of emotional engagement with humans. Emotional robots may enhance companionship roles and improve therapeutic applications. Growing demand for emotionally intelligent machines in social and healthcare settings. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Ethical implications of using human cells in robots The use of living human cells in creating robotic skin raises ethical questions regarding consent and the treatment of biological materials. 4
Potential for misuse of technology Lifelike robotic skin may be misused for deception, manipulation, or exploitation in various social contexts. 5
Health and safety risks Integrating living tissue into robots may pose health risks, including infection or immune reactions in humans interacting with these robots. 4
Impact on human-robot relationships Enhanced emotional expressiveness in robots due to lifelike skin may alter perceptions and relationships between humans and machines. 3
Regulatory challenges The development of robots with living tissue may outpace existing regulations, leading to unregulated practices and applications. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Lifelike Robotic Skin Development of robotic skin using living human cells to create flexible, emotion-conveying surfaces for robots. 5
Self-Healing Materials Creation of materials that can repair themselves, enhancing the longevity and functionality of social robots. 5
Bio-Inspired Engineering Utilization of natural designs, such as skin ligaments, to improve robotic attachment methods and tissue integration. 4
Integration of Living Cells in Robotics Incorporation of living human cells into robotic systems to enhance realism and emotional expression. 5
Emotionally Expressive Robots Engineering robots to convey emotions through physical expressions, increasing human-robot interaction quality. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
A technique for creating flexible, self-healing skin using living human cells for robotic applications. 5 3d1407b18f3172e808b79052d38c76de
Novel method for attaching cultured skin to robotic surfaces, inspired by natural skin ligaments. 4 3d1407b18f3172e808b79052d38c76de
Using 3D printing technology to create bases for robots that integrate living tissues. 4 3d1407b18f3172e808b79052d38c76de

Issues

name description relevancy
Lifelike Robotics The development of lifelike robotic skin using living human cells could revolutionize the field of robotics, making robots more human-like in appearance and function. 5
Self-healing Materials The potential for robotic skin that can repair itself indicates a trend towards more resilient and sustainable materials in technology. 4
Ethics of Living Tissue in Robotics The use of living human cells in robotics raises ethical questions regarding the sourcing and use of biological materials. 5
Human-robot Interaction As robots become more lifelike, the dynamics of human-robot interaction could change significantly, impacting social and psychological aspects of technology use. 4
Biocompatible Robotics Advancements in biocompatible materials for robotics may lead to more effective medical applications and human augmentation. 4