“Researchers at the University of Tokyo have brought science fiction closer to reality by covering a working robotic finger with living skin cultured from human cells. Led by biohybrid engineer Shoji Takeuchi, the team submerged the robotic digit in a specialized mixture of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, creating a supportive dermis layer. They then applied human keratinocyte cells to form a resilient outer epidermis. The resulting living skin is not only flexible enough to withstand continuous joint movement without tearing, but it also develops natural wrinkles at the knuckles, matching the look and texture of a real human hand. Beyond its lifelike appearance, this biohybrid skin has a notable ability to self-heal. When researchers made a small incision on the finger and applied a simple collagen bandage, the skin’s fibroblast cells naturally merged the bandage back into the surrounding tissue, repairing the wound within a week. While the technology currently needs continuous moisture to keep the living cells alive, the breakthrough opens new doors for medical testing, prosthetics and the development of ultra-realistic humanoid robots that can interact safely and seamlessly in healthcare and service industries.”
[Kawai, M., Nie, M., Oda, H., Morimoto, Y., & Takeuchi, S. Living skin on a robot. Matter, 5(7), 2190-2208]
