Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are creating soft robotics and wearable devices that can detect and fix damage, much like human or plant skin.
Soft robotics uses flexible materials to build robots that move and bend like living things.
The researchers presented their work at a robotics conference, where their paper was a finalist for top awards. Their approach focuses on a new kind of artificial muscle that can sense damage, locate it, and repair itself without outside help.
The artificial muscle has three layers. The bottom layer, called the damage detection layer, is like soft electronic skin made of tiny liquid metal droplets in a flexible silicone material. This layer is attached to a middle layer, which is a stiff material that can heal itself. The top layer starts the muscle’s movement when water pressure is applied.
When the bottom layer is damaged by a puncture or pressure, it forms an electrical network that signals the damage. A microcontroller detects this signal and sends more electric current to the damaged area. This current creates heat, melting the middle layer to seal the damage, like a wound healing.
Resetting the system for reuse
A key challenge was resetting the system after healing so it could detect new damage. The researchers used a process called electromigration, where electric current moves metal atoms, to erase the electrical network formed by damage. Normally, electromigration harms electronics by creating gaps in circuits, but here it helps by clearing the damage signals, allowing the system to start fresh. This innovation makes the artificial muscle reusable, solving a major problem in creating self-healing robotics.
This technology could transform industries. In agriculture, robots with self-healing parts could handle sharp objects like thorns or glass. Wearable health devices could last longer despite daily wear. It could also reduce electronic waste, as most devices last only a couple of years and contain harmful materials like lead. By creating materials that automatically repair themselves, this research could lead to longer-lasting electronics, benefiting both people and the environment.