A team of engineers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has developed a soft robotics system capable of detecting damage and initiating self-repair, similar to the way human muscle and skin respond to injury. The research, presented at a robotics conference in Atlanta, may have applications in areas such as wearable technology and agricultural robotics.
The design mimics biology through a three-layer artificial “muscle”, according to a press release by The University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The bottom layer contains liquid metal droplets that sense damage, while the middle layer handles repairs using special self-healing materials. When punctured or pressed too hard, the system automatically identifies the problem area and triggers repairs without human intervention.
“What makes this special is how it copies nature’s approach,” explained lead researcher Eric Markvicka in the official press release. “Like when we cut our skin, this system notices the damage and starts fixing itself straight away.”
The technology uses a typically problematic phenomenon called electromigration – where electric currents can damage tiny circuits – to its advantage. By carefully controlling electrical currents, the team can essentially “erase” damage traces and reset the system, says the official source.
Potential applications are wide-ranging. In agriculture, robots could withstand encounters with thorns and debris. For consumers, it could mean fitness trackers and smartwatches that repair themselves after daily knocks and scratches. The innovation might also help reduce electronic waste – a growing environmental concern as billions of devices get discarded annually.
The project, which was named a finalist for multiple awards at the IEEE Robotics Conference, received funding from several national science organisations. While more development is needed, the team believes their nature-inspired approach could transform how we design durable electronics and machines in future.
