Japanese scientists have developed a “slightly sweaty” robotic finger covered in living skin in an advance they say brings truly human-like robots a step closer. “I think living skin is the ultimate solution to give robots the look and touch of living creatures since it is exactly the same material that covers animal bodies,” Takeuchi said. The human-like appearance of the mechanical finger may trigger a sense of revulsion known as the ‘uncanny valley’ effect, say experts. Photograph: Shoji TakeuchiScientists have previously produced skin grafts – sheets of skin that can be stitched together in reconstructive surgery, for instance – but have struggled to create living skin on three-dimensional, dynamic objects. “The finger looks slightly sweaty straight out of the culture medium,” said Takeuchi.

Source: The Guardian June 10, 2022 15:17 UTC