Scientists cover robotic fingers with living skin made of human cells
There’s been a lot of talk about the use of synthetic skins for robotic hands. These would enhance their human-like characteristics. Scientists in Japan went a step farther by covering a robot finger with a skin that self-heals made of human cells.
A team from the University of Tokyo, led by Prof. ShojiTakeuchi, began by creating an articulated motorized robotic finger that could bend and straighten like a human. The finger was submerged into a cylinder containing a solution of human dermal cells and collagen. These are the components that make up our skin’s connecting tissues.
This solution, due to its natural properties shrank to conform to the contours and shape of the finger. It formed a seamless hydrogel layer. The scientists then added a layer made up of human epidermal cells (which make up 90 percent of the epidermis, or outermost layer) to create a seamless hydrogel coating. These formed a moisture-retaining/water-resistant barrier on top of the gel, and gave the finger a more natural texture.
Source:
https://newatlas.com/materials/robotic-finger-living-skin-human-cells/?fs=e&s=cl
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