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3w ago

Nebraska Engineers Demonstrate Soft Robot Muscle That Self-Repairs

Equipped with a liquid-metal detection layer, a heat-responsive elastomer, an electromigration-based reset mechanism, the actuator independently heals punctures for unlimited cycles.

Eric Markvicka (left), Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, along with graduate students Ethan Krings (right) and Patrick McManigal (not pictured), recently presented work on an intelligent, self-healing artificial muscle at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation.

Overview

  • The actuator’s bottom skin layer embeds liquid-metal microdroplets in silicone elastomer to identify punctures through emerging electrical traces.
  • An onboard microcontroller elevates current through damaged zones to generate localized Joule heating that melts a thermoplastic layer and seals tears without external help.
  • Engineers harness controlled electromigration by further increasing current to expel metal ions, erasing damage-induced networks and restoring the detection baseline for new repairs.
  • Presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Atlanta on May 30, the research was named a finalist for the ICRA 2025 Best Paper Award.
  • By autonomously healing and resetting itself, the muscle could extend the lifespan of agricultural robots and wearable health devices while reducing electronic waste.