Japan scientists make smiling robot with 'living skin’

Jul 20 (South China Morning Post) - Japanese scientists have attached living skin to robot faces to make them “smile”. The University of Tokyo published its findings in late June 2024, along with a video of the material being stretched into an unsettling grin.

The biohybrid robot specialists hope the technology will one day play a role in the invention of androids with humanlike appearances and abilities. Researchers also hope to add more elements to the lab-grown skin for use in cosmetics and drug testing that are absorbed through the skin.

Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Dog Robot Unveiled to Inspect Factory Equipment

A small dog-shaped robot capable of inspecting factory equipment in place of skilled workers was unveiled to address severe labor shortages.

How Is Japan Influencing Global Entertainment in the Digital Age?

The Japanese entertainment sector has exerted a powerful influence on different aspects of global trends for the past few decades.

Will "American Diseases" Ravage the Globe?

"You have cancer and must undergo surgery immediately." Cassidy Allen will never forget the expression on her doctor’s face as he marked the distribution of tumors on her chest CT scan.

Tokyo Workshop Develops Three-Meter Exoskeleton Robot Inspired by Anime

Two men gracefully maneuver a towering robot much larger than their own bodies. This three-meter-tall exoskeleton robot, known as "Skeletonics," was developed by a small manufacturing workshop in Hachioji, Tokyo.

スマートウォッチがフィットネストラッキングを強化する方法

スマートウォッチは、健康管理やフィットネスの向上を目指す人々にとって欠かせないツールです。

Future of Solar Power: Japan's Breakthrough Technology

The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

Flying Cars Set to Begin Passenger Operations by 2028

Osaka Metro and SkyDrive have announced plans to launch passenger operations of “flying cars” in the Morinomiya area of Osaka City by 2028.

Japanese venture firm's rocket launch fails

A Japanese venture firm has failed to launch a small rocket for the second time. It attributed the failure to a malfunction of a nozzle where combustion gas comes out of. (NHK)

< 2 3 4 5 >