Artificial skin that feels just like human skin

Researchers in Japan led by robotics professor Takashi Maeno in collaboration with major cosmetics manufacturer, Kao Corporation, have developed an artificial skin that feels just like human skin. We are now one step closer to achieving the goal of making a human like robot.

Skin, the largest organ of the human body, consists of a soft layer of tissue (dermis) covered by a tougher protective layer (epidermis). The artificial skin developed by Kao and Keio mimics the feel of human skin with a 1-cm thick “dermis” of elastic silicone covered by a 0.2-mm thick “epidermis” of firm urethane. Countless tiny hexagonal indentations etched into the urethane epidermis provide it with a very realistic texture.

In a series of unscientific tests, 10 out of 12 people who touched the skin thought it felt like human skin, while equipment designed to measure the mechanical properties of skin confirmed the artificial skin had characteristics resembling human skin.

Link & Image: Pink Tentacle
Tags: Artificial Skin | Skin | Epidermis | Dermis | Urethane | Silicone | Technology | Tech