Japanese scientists have created a smiling face from living human skin that can be connected to a humanoid robot. It will equip robots with realistic smiles and other facial expressions, the BBC reported. The media also pointed out that the living tissue used by the University of Tokyo team was a mixture of lab-grown human skin cells. The researchers also said it paves the way for self-healing skin that doesn't tear or tear easily. The results were published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.

The leather is soft, just like real leather, and can repair itself. Scientists are trying to rebuild the ligaments that bind human skin using strings made of elastic collagen and elastic fibers.

They drilled small holes in the robot and applied a collagen-containing gel, then applied a layer of artificial skin on top. The new product is more flexible, preventing the skin from breaking when the robot moves."By mimicking the ligament structures of human skin and using specially made V-shaped perforations in solid materials, we found a way to bond skin to complex structures,\" lead researcher Professor Shoji Takeuchi told the BBC. Listen to latest songs only on JioSaavn.com

"The natural elasticity of the skin and the strong attachment method mean that the skin can move with the robot's mechanical components without tearing or peeling," the researcher added.

However, the team said it will be many years before it can be used commercially. Researchers also said that the work may also be useful in research into skin ageing, cosmetics and surgical procedures, including plastic surgery.