A VIDEO featuring the world’s first robotic face carved from human flesh has put on a very sinister smile.
Japanese scientists have found a way to attach artificial skin tissue to humanoid robots.
Inspired by the ligaments of human skin, the team incorporated special perforations into the robot’s face to help the skin layer adhere.
The researchers, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo, say the breakthrough could bring greater mobility to robots, some of which can already move without a human.
The chilling images come after leading technology experts told The Sun why artificial intelligence replacing human jobs might not be bad news.
Although they suspect jobs could change dramatically, there should still be room for people in the workplace.
Speaking at NewsCorp’s Women in Tech Conference in New York, technology strategist Elizebeth Varghese said: “I think right now I believe jobs are going to change.
“I believe there are going to be a lot more new jobs that are unheard of. I mean, we’re already seeing that with social media content creators.”
She added: “I believe the life cycle of jobs will change and transform every three months, but I believe there will be a job for everyone.”
The professor’s team say their research, published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, could help with cosmetic and surgical training.
Professor Takeuchi’s lab, the Biohybrid Systems Laboratory, has created mini robots that walk using biological muscle tissue, 3D printed lab-grown flesh and even engineered skin that can heal.
But he wanted to expand his expertise even further and improve the robotic skin.
He said: “By mimicking the structures of human skin and ligaments and using specially made V-shaped perforations in solid materials, we have found a way to connect skin to complex structures.
“The natural flexibility of the skin and the strong adhesion method mean that the skin can move with the mechanical parts of the robot without tearing or peeling.”
In the past, researchers tried to attach skin tissue to solid surfaces using things like mini-anchors or hooks, but these could cause damage when moving.
By carefully creating small perforations instead, Professor Takeuchi says that essentially any surface shape can have a surface finish.
The science behind human skin on a robot
“Engineered skin tissue” takes a sample of human skin cells and grows them in a lab.
Most of the human skin used to harvest these cells comes from extra skin removed during surgeries.
To help the lab-grown skin layer attach, the team created special perforations in the robot’s face and applied a unique collagen gel.
Leather can be applied to almost any form of surface by carefully designing small holes.
They used a special collagen gel that is naturally rubbery for grip.
Using a plasma treatment, they placed this collagen into the delicate structures of the perforations, keeping the skin close to the relevant surface.
Professor Takeuchi said: “Manipulating soft, moist biological tissues during the development process is much more difficult than people outside the field might think.
“For example, if sterility is not maintained, bacteria can enter and the tissue will die.
“However, if we can do this now, living skin can bring a range of new capabilities to robots.
“Self-healing is a big problem – some chemical-based materials can be made to heal themselves, but they require triggers like heat, pressure or other signals, and they also don’t reproduce like cells.
Professor Takeuchi and his team want their innovative venture to help in medicine.
Something like a face-on-a-chip could be useful in skin aging research, cosmetics, surgery and more.
Professor Takeuchi says that if sensors can be built in, robots could be equipped with better environmental awareness and be able to move more easily.
He said: “In this study, we managed to replicate the human appearance to some extent by creating a face with the same surface material and structure as humans.
“Furthermore, through this research, we have identified new challenges such as the necessity of surface wrinkles and a thicker epidermis to achieve a more human appearance.”
Professor Takeuchi added: “Creating robots that can heal themselves, perceive their environment more accurately and perform tasks with human-like dexterity is incredibly motivating.”