Self-healing robot skin

Organic materials such as human skin can adapt to their environment to a certain extent and also regenerate themselves when damaged. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) have developed a living skin for robots that can also heal itself when damaged.

The basis of the skin is a three-dimensional grid made of a hydrogel that the team built using a 3D printer. According to the publication in the journal Nature Materials, the researchers integrated cells of the glossy lacquer fung us (Ganoderma lucidum) into the hydrogel, which is a tree fungus commonly found in Europe that grows on dead hardwood. The three-dimensional lattice is such that the mycelium (root network) of the fungus can grow on it and overcome the open spots in the lattice.

Self-healing skin for robots

In just under three weeks, a robot skin has been created that is robust and self-cleaning, regenerating itself independently after damage. In the event of damage caused by a cut, for example, the living robot skin grows back together. The ability to heal is due to the metabolic activity of the mycelial cells. These have evolved to grow into small openings in porous structures.

Skin passes all tests

To test the robotic skin, the scientists had robots immersed in water and roll over different surfaces. The robotic skin passed all of the scientists' required tests.

Important problems still to be solved

To ensure that the robotic skin does not die and retains its self-healing capabilities, the fungi's metabolic activity must be maintained. How to supply the fungi with nutrients still needs to be studied. Research is also needed into how to remove the waste products of metabolic activity.