Scientists have long learned to create artificial skin for robots, which is very similar to human skin, for example, from silicone or latex. You can recall the Russian robot Robo-C-2 from the Promobot company, whose head is really very similar to a human one. However, now the realism of robots can reach a new level – they will turn into real “terminators” that will literally copy people in appearance. The “living skin” developed by scientists based on artificially grown living cells will help with this. Researchers report that it will even be able to heal in case of damage, like normal human skin.
Scientists have created skin for robots from living cells. Image source: dzen.ru
Artificial skin for robots
Existing artificial skin for robots has several serious disadvantages, among which its realism is not even the most important disadvantage. For example, it can come off the body and sag, which will immediately ruin the appearance of the bot. In addition, it may become worn or damaged, resulting in the need for restoration. And there are also certain nuances with facial expressions — artificial leather does not behave exactly like natural leather, for example, when smiling.
Robot Robo-C-2 from the Russian company «Promobot». Photo source: mobidevices.com
The new development, described in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, does not have such disadvantages. Since it is based on cultured living skin cells, it looks more realistic. By the way, growing cells in laboratory conditions has long ceased to be difficult. Even artificial meat and even lard are already grown in this way.
The most important feature of artificial skin made from living cells, as mentioned above, is the ability to self-heal. Thanks to this, like human skin, it will not wear out, and any damage will heal. However, researchers do not report anything about how quickly the skin heals after damage.
Skin made from living cells will be able to repair itself, just like human skin. Photo source: www.cell.com
In addition, the authors have developed a reliable method for attaching the skin to a metal “skeleton”, which will prevent sagging of the skin, displacement during operation of the robot, etc. . As reported in the study, this skin attachment technology provides more natural facial expressions.
It must be said that the principle of attaching «living skin» quite simple — To do this, the robot's skeleton contains tiny holes into which V-shaped hooks, also created from artificially grown cells, can be inserted. They will hold the artificial skin on the robot, but at the same time maintain its elasticity and mobility.
In addition, there will be a layer of gel between the frame and the skin. It will allow the skin to glide over the surface of the frame within small limits, like human skin. But after each mechanical impact, the skin will return to its original position and shape. That is, it will behave in the same way as human skin on the body.
Scientists have developed a way to securely attach skin to a metal frame. Photo source: www.cell.com
When robots with “living skin” will appear
Despite the fact that the “living skin” proposed by scientists has a number of advantages over all previously existing types of artificial skin, before using it on robots, scientists will have to work on improving it. First of all, it is necessary to increase its strength and durability. To do this, you need to solve issues related to hydration and delivery of nutrients to cells.
Researchers are currently working to integrate artificial “blood vessels” or other systems that will deliver nutrients. In addition, in order to increase the mechanical strength of artificial leather to the level of human skin, it is necessary to optimize the structure and concentration of collagen in it.
Before using «live skin» on robots, it needs to be improved. Photo source: www.cell.com
Collagen is a thread-like protein that is the basis of connective tissue. Collagen accounts for about a third of all proteins in the human body.
And for the skin to be functional, like human skin, it must have the ability to transmit sensory information, for example, about temperature, touch, etc. Scientists suggest that further work in this area will not only create perfect skin for robots, but also expand the possibilities of cosmetic and orthopedic surgery.
Be sure to visit our Zen and Telegram channels, here you will find the most interesting news from the world science and the latest discoveries!
Obviously, if “living skin” can be realized, scientists will also have to solve the problem of feeding the “cybernetic organism”. Robots may have to be “fed” with nutrient solutions or mixtures that will contain everything they need to maintain life and cell division.