Scientists create 'breathing' androids for us to bond with more easily

Scientists are erasing the gap between humans and robots by creating human-like facial expressions on robots.

Humanoid robots, designed to mirror the human form and replicate our behaviors, are no longer confined to science fiction and might take an increasingly important role in society. Elon Musk believes that there will be far more humanoid robots than people by 2040.

Despite improving technology, which empowers bots to walk, do chores, or even dance and hug like us, there is one field that we are struggling with – giving bots emotions. At least, a tangible form of them, like facial expressions.

While many robots’ appearance is already lifelike, and they could easily be mistaken for humans in a photograph, once you meet the machine in person, its facial expressions can feel oddly disconcerting.

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It may smile, frown, or exhibit a range of familiar expressions, yet the inconsistency behind those expressions causes a slight sense of unease. The current methods used to create facial expressions do not allow the transitions between one movement and another to seem natural.

To give a robot a human touch, a team of scientists from Osaka University has introduced a new technology that can create complex facial expressions in real-time.

“Waveform movements” technology enables facial movements, such as breathing, blinking, and yawning to be performed without unnatural transitions, helping robots communicate emotions and seem more human-like.

Scientists believe that this new technology could enrich emotional communication between robots and humans. Robots could be equipped with the capacity to respond and communicate mood changes according to their environments, making the machines easier to bond with.

“Rather than creating superficial movements, further development of a system in which internal emotions are reflected in every detail of an android's actions could lead to the creation of androids perceived as having a heart," said lead author Hisashi Ishihara.