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Skin deep? Robots To Wear Real Human Tissue (thememo.com)

Posted by msmash on from the 'I'll-be-back' dept.

Scientists are already growing muscles, bones, and mini-organs in the lab. But these tissues are generally small and simple. That's why two scientists from Oxford University are proposing that we use humanoid robots to grow engineered tissues instead. From a report: Robots dressed in human flesh would benefit people who need tissue transplants, Oxford University researchers have said this week. At present human cells are grown in stationary environments, but moving humanoids could help them develop in a far more healthier way. Robots could "wear" tissue grafts before transplantation, researchers Pierre-Alexis Mouthuy and Andrew Carr propose in the latest issue of Science Robotics. Today sheets of cells are grown in stagnant tanks, but these "fail to mimic the real mechanical environment for cells," say the scientists. The resulting tissues aren't used to moving, stretching and straining, which make them problematic for use by patients.

16 of 77 comments (clear)

  1. It puts the lotion in the basket by sinij · · Score: 2

    I don't understand why this is needed.

    1. Re:It puts the lotion in the basket by geekmux · · Score: 2

      I don't understand why this is needed.

      We never learn from actual history, so not learning from science fiction history seems par for the course.

      Besides, I'm sure Cameron will enjoy the movie revenue from making Terminator, Episode I...

    2. Re:It puts the lotion in the basket by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

      I don't understand why this is needed.

      Today sheets of cells are grown in stagnant tanks, but these fail to mimic the real mechanical environment for cells. The resulting tissues aren't used to moving, stretching and straining, which make them problematic for use by patients. Moving robot "humanoids" could help the cells develop in a far more healthier way.

      Slashdot is talking about it here.

      CAPTCHA = "boners", for the love of god Slashdot, really?

    3. Re:It puts the lotion in the basket by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 3, Funny

      I don't understand why this is needed.

      It is needed to make Real Dolls more realistic. Actual human skin would be a great feature.

    4. Re:It puts the lotion in the basket by TWX · · Score: 2

      Only if they're fully functional, programmed in multiple techniques...

      --
      Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  2. Familiar? by Vintowin · · Score: 2

    I believe this was how the Terminator started.. apparently no one heeds the warnings..

    1. Re:Familiar? by Nidi62 · · Score: 2

      I believe this was how the Terminator started..

      Actually, no. Reese clearly states that the first Terminators were easy to spot as they had rubber skin. It was only later models that had human skin which made it easier to infiltrate.

      --
      The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for it to be pitted against a slightly greater evil
    2. Re:Familiar? by spiritplumber · · Score: 2

      I read "waifus" instead of "waifs" at first...

      --
      Liberty - Security - Laziness - Pick any two.
    3. Re:Familiar? by syn3rg · · Score: 2

      Time to get a dog.

      --
      The contents of this message have been doubly encrypted by ROT13
  3. The secondary market as sexbots would make bank! by Ann+O'Nymous-Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Step 1: Skinbots Step 2: Sexbots Step 3: PROFIT! Step 4: Retread GOTO Step 1

  4. Re:The secondary market as sexbots would make bank by mfnickster · · Score: 2

    You should read Rudy Rucker's "Wetware." :)

    --
    "Slow down, Cowboy! It has been 3 years, 7 months and 26 days since you last successfully posted a comment."
  5. Can be an Oxford University scientist? by Cyberpunk+Reality · · Score: 2

    I mean, I watch Agents of SHIELD, too.

    --
    Rule 35 of the internet: "If it can be hacked, it will be". - Charles Stross
  6. Cylons by Wolfrider · · Score: 4, Funny

    --Do you want Cylons?? Because this is how you get Cylons.

    --
    .
    == WolfriderV6 == I'm willing to admit that *I just might* be wrong... Are you??
  7. Arnold as a terminator by DrYak · · Score: 2

    I could easily spot a Terminator in a war, it's the "Human" that looks like he eats 8000 calories a day and works out...

    The in-world retro-fitted explanation is that technology only got that good with the T-800. The Arnold is the most compact humanoid outer flesh that they can manage to fit over the robotic chassis. Older models were even bulkier and looked even less human. OTOH, later model managed to camouflage better thanks to mimetic polyalloys and looked much more leaner.

    The cinematographic reason : Cameron needed an actor that will look unstoppable and will inspire awe. The Arnold is the best he could manage to inspire this "mighty glacier" power. This stature has the on-screen effect that was in Cameron's vision for the movie, and to the hell if he doesn't remotely look like Michael Biehn (who's supposed to be the future's everyman).

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
  8. Re:The secondary market as sexbots would make bank by johanw · · Score: 3, Insightful

    They would hate it, it would remove their power over man.

  9. Re:The secondary market as sexbots would make bank by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 2

    They would hate it, it would remove their power over man.

    Plenty of men get married and don't want kids.

    And plenty of them get kids whether they want them or not.

    --
    The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.