Lab/nightmare factory creates living robot capable of smiling

In Japan, researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a living robot capable of smiling in response to stimuli.

The creepy, two-dimensional breakthrough came by growing skin on a humanoid robot. While such robots have been made before, the living portion was attached to the robotic portion in a way caused damage with skin movement. The Tokyo team used a novel method inspired by human ligaments.

“In this study, we managed to replicate human appearance to some extent by creating a face with the same surface material and structure as humans,” team lead Shoji Takeuchi told design publication dezeen. “Creating robots that can heal themselves, sense their environment more accurately and perform tasks with humanlike dexterity is incredibly motivating.”

While clearly a notable advance for living robotics, the internet’s reaction has been less positive, calling the visage “nightmare fuel” and asking, “How do I mute pictures?”