Robot fingers that are “genuine” are waterproof, bendable and self-healing

The research team of Professor Shoji Takeuchi of the University of Tokyo developed a robotic finger covered with artificial skin. At first glance at this robot finger, one might startle and wonder, ‘Is this not a human finger?

If there are these reactions, it shows that its bionic degree is high. The dermal equivalent covered on this skin model is made from living human cells (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, etc.) and extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels (collagen, etc.).

Robot fingers are dipped in a solution of collagen, and human dermal fibroblasts, the two main components that make up the connective tissue of the skin, and this mixture tend to shrink naturally. Provides the basis for human epidermal keratinocytes.

This three-joint robot finger, in addition to its appearance and texture, is very close to real skin, and its function is also similar to natural skin. For example, this robot finger is waterproof like a human finger, and the water droplets formed on the surface can be easily wiped off, which can protect the internal electric motor and other components from being affected by water.

Not only that, but it can straighten and bend like a human finger. The clicks from the motors, combined with the motion and realistic appearance, make the robot fingers look more like real ones.

What’s more, the research team was originally inspired by the use of hydrogels for the medical treatment of deeply burned skin, so the dermal equivalents covering the robotic fingers could also ‘self-heal.’

In the test, the researchers cut a small piece of skin from the robot’s finger and covered it with a collagen sheet. The collagen sheet was able to seal the wound, and after seven days of culture, the boundary between the transplanted acellular collagen sheet and the original dermal equivalent became blurred, and the adhesion strength of the collagen sheet to the dermal equivalent was sufficient for the repaired fingers Withstands tensile strain from repeated bending motions of robotic fingers.

Of course, there are still many areas to be improved in the research of this kind of robot finger in terms of lifespan and functionalization. For example, it cannot lack proper water supply from the circulatory system and local wetting due to sweat secretion in the culture medium. Therefore, establishing perfusion channels in and below the dermis to simulate blood vessels to supply water and integrating sweat glands in the skin are important directions for future research.

In addition, the deterioration of electronic devices and wiring caused by such wet culture conditions should also be noted. In order to further improve the function and physical autonomy of robotic fingers, building architecture with the coexistence of perfusable artificial vascular networks and biocompatible waterproof electronics is also an important focus in the future, not only to maintain the viability of living skin but also to be able to integrate Electronic processors, motors, sensors, wires, batteries, communication modules, etc.

However, the breakthrough of this research is undeniable. This demonstrates that it is possible to model skin tissue directly around the robot, allowing the skin to grow directly on the robot parts. It also gives the ‘artificial skin’ the texture and soft texture that silicone skin does not have, as well as the appearance and function of real skin, such as waterproofing, bending and stretching with joints, and even self-healing.

According to the research team’s future plans, they also want to develop a more advanced version by adding sensory neurons, hair follicles, nails and sweat glands, etc., and also want to try to cover larger structures.

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