Japanese scientists graft living skin onto robot faces to make them ‘smile’

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.