Researchers from the University of Tokyo created a method to culture human skin cells and adhere them to a robot face. The skin can repair minor tears and wrinkles when the robot smiles, offering a more human-like appearance.

Tiny perforations in the robot's base act as anchors for the skin, mimicking the way ligaments connect skin to underlying structures in humans. This technology has the potential to create robots that interact more seamlessly with humans and could also benefit the cosmetics and medical fields.



The current skin lacks features like sweat glands and blood vessels, making it not perfectly realistic. Researchers are working on improving the skin's durability and mimicking human skin's strength. Integrating sensory functions like touch and temperature detection is another area of future development.

There isn't currently any widely adopted robot skin. The research from the University of Tokyo is on the leading edge of creating functional, living skin for robots.

Here's what robots typically use instead:

Elastomers and Silicones: These are common materials used to create a soft, skin-like outer layer for robots. They can be made in various colors and textures to offer a more human-like appearance However, they lack the functionality of living skin, such as self-repair or sensation.

Rigid Materials: For robots built for industrial tasks or harsh environments, their outer shell might be made of stronger materials like metal or high-grade plastics. These offer durability but lack any resemblance to human skin.

Overall, this research represents a significant step towards creating lifelike robots with functional skin. The potential applications extend beyond robotics, offering new avenues for research in areas like skin aging and cosmetic development.