Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have engineered a self-healing magnetoelectric sensory system (SMES) capable of autonomous repair and power-free sensing in underwater environments. According to findings published in Advanced Materials on April 18, 2026, the device utilizes an elastomer base and liquid-metal conductors to mimic biological skin, enabling underwater robots and divers to detect damage and recover functionality without external power sources.
How Self-Healing Electronic Skin Functions
The SMES technology functions by stacking a damage-sensing layer atop an electromagnetic sensing layer. Both layers are constructed from a stretchable, self-healing elastomer embedded with liquid-metal conductors. Assistant Professor Tan Yu Jun, who led the research team at the NUS College of Design and Engineering, notes that the system acts as a protective alarm; when the sensor is punctured or cut, its electrical resistance spikes, simulating a pain response.
The material relies on reversible molecular interactions to mend itself. When damaged surfaces are brought back into contact, the molecular groups reconnect, allowing the sensor to restore its performance. Testing showed that the material achieves nearly 100 percent healing efficiency under water after 10 days, maintaining its integrity even in conditions where traditional materials typically fail to bond.
Pro Tip: Unlike conventional sensors that require constant external power, the SMES uses electromagnetic induction. A magnet and a liquid-metal coil shift during physical contact, generating a voltage that powers both tactile and proximity sensing.
Applications in Underwater Robotics and Diving
The NUS team demonstrated the viability of this technology through two primary prototypes:
- Smart Diving Gloves: These gloves use fingertip sensors to generate voltage patterns corresponding to specific hand gestures. The system transmits these gestures via Bluetooth to a smartphone, allowing divers to communicate status updates like “Going up” or “Help” without verbal communication.
- Robotic Hands: Designed for underwater grasping, these robotic hands use integrated LEDs to signal damage status. A green light indicates normal operation, yellow signals minor damage that the device can self-repair, and red indicates severe structural damage.
The system is highly durable, maintaining stable output after 10,000 cycles of usage. In trials, the robotic hand continued to grasp and transport objects even after sustaining punctures from sharp shells, demonstrating the material’s potential for soft robotics and long-term underwater human-machine interfaces.
Future Trends in Soft Robotics
The development of SMES reflects a broader industry shift toward “electronic skins” that prioritize durability and autonomy. By eliminating the need for battery-dependent power in harsh environments, the NUS team aims to broaden the use of soft machines in unpredictable settings. The ability of these devices to sense their own injury and initiate autonomous recovery suggests a move toward machines that operate with the resilience of living organisms.
Did you know? The SMES response time is approximately 41 milliseconds, which is roughly ten times faster than the human blink of an eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SMES require a battery to function?
No. The system is self-powered through electromagnetic induction. It generates its own electrical signals when an object presses on or moves near the sensor.
Can the sensor heal itself while fully submerged in water?
Yes. According to the research team, the sensor retains its ability to detect damage and self-repair while fully submerged, reaching nearly 100 percent healing efficiency after 10 days in water.
What is the primary material used in the sensor?
The sensors are built using a stretchable, self-healing elastomer—a rubber-like polymer—laced with liquid-metal conductors.
Interested in the latest advancements in robotics and material science? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on emerging technologies.
Keep reading