Robots Have Chubby Faces (and Smiles), According to New Research
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In Japan, engineers are working to create robots that can mimic human expressions, particularly smiles.
They developed a face mask using human skin cells, which they attached to robots using a new technique that hides the bond and is flexible enough to form expressions such as a grimace or a slight smile.
The look is a mix between the disturbing Hannibal Lecter mask and the claymation character Gumby.
However, scientists believe that these prototypes could lead to more advanced robots. These robots would have a durable, elastic outer layer that protects the machine while making it more human-like.
The “skin equivalent,” as researchers call it, is made in the lab from living skin cells. This skin can scar, burn, and even heal itself, according to a study publis...