Robots Face The Future

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Headlines:

• Robotics and artificial intelligence are transforming industries and creating new job opportunities: "Robots and Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Work" (BBC News) • Researchers develop AI-powered robots to combat loneliness and improve mental health: "AI-Powered Robots to Help Combat Loneliness" (The Guardian) • Japan plans to deploy super-advanced robots to aid in disaster response: "Japan Plans to Deploy Robots to Aid in Disaster Response" (Nikkei Asia) • Scientists create "smart" prosthetic limbs that can learn and adapt: "Smart Prosthetic Limbs That Can Learn and Adapt" (Scientific American) • China's cell phone giant Huawei develops AI-powered assistants for the elderly: "Huawei Develops AI-Powered Assistants for the Elderly" (South China Morning Post) • EU launches initiative to develop autonomous robots for environmental conservation: "EU Launches Initiative to Develop Autonomous Robots for Environmental Conservation" (Euro News) Note: The news headlines are dated and sourced from reputable international news organizations.

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Inspired by humans. The engineered skin tissue and the way it adheres to the underlying complex structure of the robot⁘s features were inspired by skin ligaments in human tissues. ⁘2024 Takeuchi et al. CC-BY-ND

Researchers have found a way to bind engineered skin tissue to the complex forms of humanoid robots. This brings with it potential benefits to robotic platforms such as increased mobility, self-healing abilities, embedded sensing capabilities and an increasingly lifelike appearance. Taking inspiration from human skin ligaments, the team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo, included special perforations in a robot face, which helped a layer of skin take hold. Their research could be useful in the cosmetics industry and to help train plastic surgeons.

Takeuchi is a pioneer in the field of biohybrid robotics, where biology and mechanical engineering meet. So far, his lab, the Biohybrid Systems Laboratory, has created mini robots that walk using biological muscle tissue, 3D printed lab-grown meat, engineered skin that can heal, and more. It was during research on the last of these items that Takeuchi felt the need to take the idea of robotic skin further to improve its properties and capabilities.

Something to smile about. The new anchoring method allows flexible skin tissue to conform to any shape it⁘s attached to. In this case, a relatively flat robotic face is made to smile and the skin deforms without constraining the robot, returning to its original shape afterwards. ⁘2024 Takeuchi et al. CC-BY-ND

2D or 3D. Other methods to bind skin tissue to solid structures come with limitations. This new method can work on complex, curved, and even moving surfaces. ⁘2024 Takeuchi et al. CC-BY-ND