'Robot Skin Heals Itself': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough Tech That Repairs Damage Instantly Without Any Human Intervention
that mimics biological tissue. 🔥 The muscle uses a Joule heating process to autonomously detect and repair damage without human intervention.
to autonomously detect and repair damage without human intervention. 🔄 By utilizing electromigration , the system can erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan.
, the system can erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan. 🌿 The technology's implications include enhancing durability in agriculture equipment and wearable medical devices, while reducing electronic waste.
In a groundbreaking development, engineers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have unveiled an innovative self-healing artificial muscle. This technology replicates the self-repair mechanisms found in living organisms, marking a significant leap in the field of soft robotics. By employing liquid metal and heat, this new muscle can autonomously detect and repair damage, potentially transforming industries that rely on durable electronic systems. This breakthrough was presented at the prestigious IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, highlighting its potential to revolutionize how machines handle wear and tear. Mimicking Biology Through Soft Robotics
Biomimicry has long fascinated scientists, especially the ability to replicate how biological organisms sense and heal damage. Led by Eric Markvicka, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln team has made strides in this area. Traditionally, the challenge has been to develop materials that not only mimic the flexibility and softness of biological systems but also their capability to self-repair. Markvicka's team addressed this by creating a multi-layered artificial muscle.
The muscle's base is a soft electronic skin embedded with liquid metal microdroplets, providing the ability to detect and locate damage. Above this, a robust thermoplastic elastomer layer enables self-healing, while the top actuation layer facilitates movement through pressurization. This innovative combination allows the artificial muscle to respond to damage much like living tissue, making it a significant achievement in soft robotics.
Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use Smart Repair With Built-In Heating
This artificial muscle goes a step further by autonomously initiating repairs. It uses five monitoring currents to detect damage within the electronic skin. When a breach occurs, the system creates a new electrical path, which is then used to generate heat via a Joule heating process. This heat effectively melts and reseals the damaged area, allowing the muscle to heal itself without any human intervention.
Once repaired, the system must reset the damage footprint, utilizing electromigration—traditionally a challenge in electronics. By shifting metal atoms, the team cleverly flips this flaw into a feature, erasing the damage path and making the system reusable. This unique approach not only repairs but also perpetuates the functionality of the artificial muscle, demonstrating a sophisticated blend of engineering and biological imitation.
'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies Flipping a Flaw Into a Feature
Electromigration is typically seen as a negative in electronic systems, often leading to circuit failures. However, the Nebraska team has ingeniously used this phenomenon to their advantage. By intentionally harnessing electromigration, they can erase the damage path, effectively resetting the system for future use.
This approach turns a common electronic failure into a beneficial process, showcasing a novel way to address system longevity and reliability. 'Electromigration is generally seen as a huge negative,' Markvicka stated, emphasizing the innovative application of this failure mode. This breakthrough not only extends the lifespan of the artificial muscle but also opens new avenues for electronic miniaturization, where managing electromigration is crucial.
'Concrete That Heals Itself': Scientists Create Lichen-Inspired Material That Uses Microbes to Seal Cracks Automatically Future Impact in Farming, Wearables, and Waste
The potential applications of this self-healing technology are vast. In agriculture, where equipment often encounters physical damage from natural elements, self-repairing systems could significantly enhance operational durability. Wearable medical devices, subjected to constant movement and stress, could also benefit, leading to longer-lasting and more reliable health monitors.
Moreover, reducing electronic waste is a critical environmental concern. By integrating self-healing capabilities, electronic devices could enjoy prolonged lifespans, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing waste. This advancement could play a crucial role in sustainable technology development, offering benefits that extend well beyond immediate practical applications.
As we embrace these technological advancements, the question arises: How will this self-healing technology shape the future of industries reliant on durable electronic systems, and what further innovations might it inspire?
Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article.
Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
an hour ago
- France 24
US to rewrite its past national climate reports
The decision, announced by Energy Secretary Chris Wright during a CNN appearance Tuesday night, follows the government's revocation of the Endangerment Finding, a scientific determination that underpins a host of regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Asked by CNN's Kaitlan Collins why previous editions of the National Climate Assessment were no longer available online, former fracking company CEO Wright responded: "Because we're reviewing them, and we will come out with updated reports on those and with comments on those." First published in 2000, the National Climate Assessment has long been viewed as a cornerstone of the US government's understanding of climate science, synthesizing input from federal agencies and hundreds of external experts. Previous editions warned in stark terms of mounting risks to America's economy, infrastructure, and public health if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed. But in April, the administration moved to dismiss the hundreds of scientists working on the sixth edition. Under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, the government is legally obligated to deliver the climate assessment to Congress and the president. Trump's administration and the Republican-controlled Congress have pressed forward with their pro- fossil fuel agenda -- dismantling clean energy tax credits through the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" and opening more ecologically sensitive lands to drilling. Last month's proposed revocation of the Endangerment Finding by the Environmental Protection Agency was accompanied by the release of a new climate study from the Department of Energy, authored by climate change contrarians. The study questioned whether heat records are truly increasing and whether extreme weather is worsening. It also misrepresented the work of cited climate scientists, according to several who spoke to AFP, and suggested that rising atmospheric carbon dioxide could be a net benefit for agriculture.
Sustainability Times
2 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
'This Changes Everything': Scientists Unearth Pristine Ancient Forest Frozen For Thousands Of Years In Rocky Mountains
IN A NUTSHELL 🌲 The melting ice in the Rocky Mountains reveals a long-hidden, ancient forest , offering a rare glimpse into the past. , offering a rare glimpse into the past. 🧊 Preserved whitebark pines date back thousands of years, kept intact by ice due to climatic shifts. date back thousands of years, kept intact by ice due to climatic shifts. 🧭 Artifacts found, like a 10,000-year-old spear shaft, suggest early human activity in what was once a lush ecosystem. in what was once a lush ecosystem. 🔍 The discovery highlights the impact of climate change on alpine regions and the vulnerability of these ecosystems. In the rugged and often inhospitable high-altitude landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, a remarkable discovery has captured the attention of scientists and historians alike. As climate change causes ice patches to recede, an ancient forest, long buried under ice, is emerging on the Beartooth Plateau. This area, once a thriving ecosystem, now offers an extraordinary glimpse into the past. Researchers are uncovering the secrets of this frozen forest, providing insights into climate shifts and the resilience of ecosystems. This discovery not only highlights historical climatic changes but also serves as a poignant reminder of the current environmental challenges faced by alpine regions. The Discovery of a Frozen Forest As the ice melts at altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains, a hidden forest has begun to emerge. The whitebark pines, preserved in ice for millennia, are being revealed for the first time. This extraordinary find has sparked significant interest among scientists studying climate patterns and ecological history. The Beartooth Plateau, once a thriving forest, now resembles a barren tundra, but this was not always the case. Thousands of years ago, cooler temperatures encased the forest in ice, preserving it for future generations to discover. 'No one had any idea that these patches of ice had been around for thousands of years,' remarked David McWethy, an associate professor at Montana State University. The recent findings, published in the journal PNAS, have opened a window into the past, offering clues about the environment and climate of ancient times. The pristine condition of these trees provides a unique opportunity to study the ecosystem as it existed thousands of years ago. Climatic Shifts and Preservation The preservation of these trees is due to a series of climatic events that began over 5,500 years ago. As the climate cooled, volcanic eruptions further contributed to a rapid drop in temperatures, encasing the forest in ice. This sudden preservation has kept the whitebark pines in near-perfect condition, allowing scientists to examine them in detail. The global climate experienced a warm period following the last ice age, which allowed these trees to thrive at higher altitudes than their modern counterparts. 4 Tons of Water, 19 Firefighters: Greece Unleashes Airbus H215 Mega-Helicopters in Massive Aerial Firefighting Revolution As the ice melts, researchers are finding not just trees but also artifacts that tell the story of human activity in the region. Craig Lee, an assistant professor at Montana State University, discovered a 10,000-year-old wooden spear shaft, suggesting that humans hunted in this once-lush environment. 'You go there now and it's beautiful — it's a very dramatic landscape — but it's a little stark,' noted Cathy Whitlock, director of the Paleoecology Lab at Montana State University. Implications of Climate Change The melting of the ice patches on the Beartooth Plateau is emblematic of broader climate change impacts. As global temperatures rise, high-elevation areas are experiencing accelerated warming. This has led to the exposure of the frozen forest, providing both scientific opportunities and environmental warnings. While the discoveries are scientifically valuable, they underscore the vulnerability of alpine ecosystems to changing climates. The uncovering of the forest serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance in these environments. 'Only the Oldest Oceanic Plates Can 'Transport Water Deep Into the Mantle'' Reveals New Olivine Heat Conductivity Breakthrough 'These kinds of discoveries are scientifically really interesting, but they're also a sad reminder of how fragile these alpine ecosystems are to climate change,' said Whitlock. The melting ice may reveal more about past ecosystems, but it also highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate current climate challenges. A Window Into the Past The newly revealed forest offers a rare glimpse into the past, providing insights into ancient ecosystems and climate conditions. As scientists continue to study the preserved trees, they hope to learn more about the historical climate patterns and how life adapted to those conditions. The forest's emergence tells a story of change, resilience, and adaptation in the face of climatic shifts. The findings have important implications for understanding both past and future climate dynamics. Philip Mote, an Oregon State University professor, commented on the significance of the find, stating, 'I'm sure all sorts of things got buried under the ice.' Indeed, the continued melting of ice patches may uncover more artifacts and provide further data for scientific study. The research conducted on the Beartooth Plateau is a testament to the ever-evolving understanding of our planet's history. As scientists delve deeper into the mysteries of this ancient forest, they confront the dual realities of discovery and loss. The melting ice reveals secrets of the past, yet also signals the changes wrought by modern climate challenges. What other hidden histories might be unearthed as the planet's climate continues to evolve? The emerging forest on the Beartooth Plateau prompts us to consider the stories yet untold beneath the ice. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (30)
France 24
4 hours ago
- France 24
OpenAI releases ChatGPT-5 as AI race accelerates
ChatGPT-5 is rolling out free to all users of the AI tool, which is used by nearly 700 million people weekly, OpenAI said in a briefing with journalists. Co-founder and chief executive Sam Altman touted this latest iteration as "clearly a model that is generally intelligent." "It is a significant step toward models that are really capable," he said. Altman cautioned that there is still work to be done to achieve the kind of artificial general intelligence (AGI) that thinks the way people do. "This is not a model that continuously learns as it is deployed from new things it finds, which is something that, to me, feels like it should be part of an AGI," Altman said. "But the level of capability here is a huge improvement." GPT-5 is particularly adept when it comes to AI acting as an "agent" independently tending to computer tasks, according to Michelle Pokrass of the development team. "GPT-3 felt to me like talking to a high school student -- ask a question, maybe you get a right answer, maybe you'll get something crazy," Altman said. "GPT-4 felt like you're talking to a college student; GPT five is the first time that it really feels like talking to a PhD-level expert in any topic." Vibe coding Altman said he expects the ability to create software programs on demand -- so-called "vibe-coding" -- to be a "defining part of the new ChatGPT-5 era." As an example, OpenAI executives demonstrated the bot being asked to create an app for learning the French language. With fierce competition around the world over the technology, Altman said ChatGPT-5 led the pack in coding, writing, health care and much more. Rivals including Google and Microsoft have been pumping billions of dollars into developing AI systems. Altman said there were "orders of magnitude more gains" to come on the path toward AGI. " have to invest in compute (power) at an eye watering rate to get that, but we intend to keep doing it." ChatGPT-5 was also trained to be trustworthy and stick to providing answers as helpful as possible without aiding a seemingly harmful mission, according to OpenAI safety research lead Alex Beutel. "We built evaluations to measure the prevalence of deception and trained the model to be honest," Beutel said. ChatGPT-5 is trained to generate "safe completions," sticking to high-level information that can't be used to cause harm, according to Beutel. The debut comes a day after OpenAI said it was allowing the US government to use a version of ChatGPT designed for businesses for a year for just $1. Federal workers in the executive branch will have access to ChatGPT Enterprise essentially free in a partnership with the US General Services Administration, according to the artificial intelligence sector star. The company this week also released two new AI models that can be downloaded for free and altered by users, to challenge similar offerings by US and Chinese competition. The release of gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b "open-weight language models" comes as the ChatGPT-maker is under pressure to share inner workings of its software in the spirit of its origin as a nonprofit.
