The Evolution of Robots: From Helpful to Creepy
Tech & AI | June 26, 2024, 11:13 p.m.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a humanoid robot with lab-grown living skin that can smile. This innovative technique involves bonding skin tissue to robotic surfaces, allowing for self-healing capabilities similar to human skin without external triggers. The team aims to incorporate additional skin organs and create realistic expressions using muscle-mimicking actuators. While the development has potential applications in the cosmetics industry and medical training, some online reactions range from fascination to unease. The flexible and adhesive properties of the biological skin enable it to move seamlessly with the robot's mechanical components. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in humanoid robotics, pushing the boundaries of mimicking human appearance and functions. While the concept of robots with living skin may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, this development demonstrates the feasibility of such technology, sparking both excitement and trepidation among observers.