Takeuchi emphasized the importance of better adhesion between the robot's functions and the subcutaneous structures of the skin. Researchers have discovered a way to join skin into complex structures by mimicking the structure of human skin ligaments and using specially made V-shaped perforations in a solid material. The skin's natural flexibility and strong adhesion to the robot allow it to move without peeling or tearing.
“During previous research in our lab on finger-like robots covered with artificial skin tissue, we realized that there was a need for better adhesion between the robot’s features and the subcutaneous structures of the skin.” Takeuchi stated in his press release.
“We found a way to mimic the human skin-ligament structure and join the skin to complex structures using specially designed V-shaped perforations in solid materials,” he added.
The researchers created both a 2D model (pink blob) and a 3D model with a more human-like head shape, details of which are published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
![picture](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-23456,msid-111357555,width-600,resizemode-4/111357555.jpg)
The next challenge is to thicken the skin and add features like wrinkles to make it more human-like. Takeuchi believes that incorporating sweat glands, sebaceous glands, pores, blood vessels, fat, and nerves could help achieve thicker, more realistic skin.
“Of course, not only the material but also the movement is an important factor, so one of the important tasks is to create human-like facial expressions by integrating sophisticated actuators or muscles inside the robot,” he said.
Living skin like human robot It has potential applications in medical research, including drug development, skin aging research, cosmetics research, and plastic surgeon training.
![Robot 1 (1)](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-23456,msid-111357677,width-600,resizemode-4/111357677.jpg)
Yifan Wang, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, finds the research interesting and believes it provides a “hybrid solution” between the fields of soft and traditional robotics.
Wang emphasizes the importance of skin for sensory perception and believes that using biological skin on traditional robots could help achieve similar sensing capabilities. In the next phase of research, Takeuchi and his team aim to add more sensory capabilities to make the skin more responsive to environmental stimuli.
However, ensuring the consistency and quality of living skin remains challenging. Takeuchi is exploring creating a vascular system for robotic skin to provide the nutrient supply needed to maintain the skin's health over time. This will require significant engineering work, but Wang believes that if successful, humanoids in the future could have the ability to look and feel like people.