Engineers in Japan are experimenting with creating robots that can mimic human expressions, specifically the smile, by using a face mask made from human skin cells. This innovative technique allows the mask to be flexible and conceal the binding, enabling the robots to produce expressions ranging from smiles to grimaces. The result is a blend between Hannibal Lecter's eerie mask and Gumby's animated figure. The development of these prototypes opens the door to more advanced and lifelike robots, with a durable and elastic outer layer that not only protects the machine but also enhances its human-like appearance. The "skin equivalent," as it is dubbed by researchers, is created from living skin cells in a laboratory setting and can mimic scars, burns, and self-healing properties. This breakthrough was detailed in a study published in Cell Reports Physical Science on June 25th.