Japanese scientists have attached living skin to robot faces to make them “smile”.
The University of Tokyo published its findings in late June, along with a video of the material being stretched into an unsettling grin. The biohybrid robot specialists hope the technology will one day play a role in the invention of androids with humanlike appearances and abilities.
Researchers also hope to add more elements to the lab-grown skin for use in cosmetics and drug testing that are absorbed through the skin.