This pink blob with beady eyes is a humanoid robot with "living skin

This pink blob with beady eyes is a humanoid robot with “living skin”

June 28, 2024 Benjamin Hughes

A pink blob with beady eyes is gaining widespread attention online – because this newly-developed robot has what researchers call “living skin.”

Professor Shoji Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo developed the alien-like machine using engineered skin attached to a humanoid robot.

Takeuchi previously created walking mini robots using 3D-printed lab-grown meat, engineered skin and biological muscle tissue. He decided to continue to develop the skin feature, which was grown in the Biohybrid Systems Laboratory at the university.

This pink blob with beady eyes is a humanoid robot with “living skin.”

©2024 Takeuchi et al.

“During previous research on a finger-shaped robot covered in engineered skin tissue we grew in our lab, I felt the need for better adhesion between the robotic features and the subcutaneous structure of the skin,” Takeuchi said in a news release. “By mimicking human skin-ligament structures and by using specially made V-shaped perforations in solid materials, we found a way to bind skin to complex structures.”

Caitlin O’Kane

Caitlin O’Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces “The Uplift,” CBS News’ streaming show that focuses on good news.

Source: cbsnews.com