Scientists grow human skin around a robotic finger. Here's how
Scientists in Japan have made a major advancement in robotics. A group of scientists, led by professor Shoji Takeuchi, has been able to develop a slightly sweaty robotic finger covered in living skin.
The finger is able to heal itself with the help of the collagen bandage it is wrapped in. The study has been published in Journal Matter.
Previously, scientists have been able to use sheets of skin that could be stitched together in cases of reconstructive surgery. But this is the first time they have been able to develop a living skin on three-dimensional, dynamic objects.
HOW WAS IT DONE?
- Firstly, the team completely dipped into a solution of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts (both of these are essential in the making of skin’s connective tissue) into a cylinder.
- The finger was then coated to create a seamless layer for the next coat of cells known as human epidermal Keratinocytes.
- After sipping the finger in a human epidermal Keratinocytes, scientists began to bend the finger forth and back to create wrinkles to give it a more human look.
The finger operates through electric motor. Prof Takeuchi explained, “Since the finger is driven by an electric motor, it is also interesting to hear the clicking sounds of the motor in harmony with a finger that looks just like a real one. The finger looks slightly sweaty straight out of the culture medium”
The finger hasn’t been perfected yet as its slightly sweaty skin is weaker than normal human skin and does not have any circulatory system to keep it moist.
Describing the experiment, Prof Takeuchi said, “We are surprised by how well the skin tissue conforms to the robot’s surface. But this work is just the first step toward creating robots covered with living skin.”
The team intends to develop more lifelike humanoids to provide aid to roles in the nursing and service industry.