Self-regenerating electronic skin.

For Humans and Robots

Imagine a robot exploring the ocean floor or a human diver conducting a deep-water inspection; during the mission, a rock causes a cut that punctures part of the equipment. Today, this could mean the end of the operation, but researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed technology that could change that scenario.

It is an electronic skin capable of detecting damage, immediately issuing an alert, and initiating its own regeneration process—even underwater. The skin is made of a special elastomer containing liquid metal and magnetic particles. When cut or punctured, its electrical resistance changes instantly, acting like a sort of artificial nervous system that identifies the location of the damage. At the same time, chemical bonds within the material allow the molecules to reconnect, triggering the self-healing process.

Another interesting detail is that this system virtually eliminates the need for a dedicated power source to detect movement and deformation; instead, it relies on a principle known as magnetoelectric induction, where small variations in the magnetic field—generated by the material's deformation—produce electrical signals that the sensors can interpret.

In the laboratory, the skin maintained its performance even after 10,000 puncture cycles, demonstrating significant durability for real-world applications. Tests yielded even more intriguing results in an underwater environment. While many adhesive materials lose efficiency when submerged, this electronic skin fully regained its properties after approximately 10 days in simulated seawater.

The researchers also incorporated the technology into smart gloves capable of recognizing gestures and transmitting messages—such as "help" or "ascending"—as well as triggering light-based alerts when serious damage is detected.