Tokyo, Japan - June 5, 2024

Researchers have made significant strides in integrating living skin models, known as skin equivalents, into robotics, potentially revolutionising their capabilities. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent study, focuses on using skin equivalents as ideal coverings for robots, harnessing their biological functionalities.

The study introduces perforation-type anchors inspired by skin ligaments, enabling effective attachment of skin equivalents to robotic surfaces. These anchors have been successfully demonstrated to cover intricate 3D facial moulds, replicating the natural contours of human skin. Moreover, researchers have developed a robotic face equipped with dermis equivalents capable of expressing emotions such as smiles.

By mimicking the human muscle structure responsible for smiling, the robotic face utilises external mechanical actuators connected via perforation-type anchors to manipulate a silicone layer, creating lifelike expressions. This breakthrough not only showcases the potential of biohybrid robotics but also opens avenues for advancements in prosthetics and human-machine interactions.