Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a self-healing magnetoelectric sensory system (SMES) that enables underwater electronics to detect damage and repair themselves autonomously. Published in Advanced Materials on April 18, 2026, the technology utilizes a stretchable elastomer laced with liquid-metal conductors to provide touch and proximity sensing without the need for external power sources.
Engineering Self-Healing Electronics for Underwater Use
Underwater environments present significant challenges for traditional sensors, which are often fragile, reliant on batteries, and incapable of self-repair. Assistant Professor Tan Yu Jun and his team at the NUS College of Design and Engineering addressed these limitations by mimicking biological skin. The SMES device features a stacked architecture: a top layer dedicated to damage sensing sits above an electromagnetic layer, both embedded in a rubber-like, self-healing elastomer.
According to the research team, the system’s ability to recover is rooted in reversible molecular interactions. When a sensor is cut or punctured, the material’s molecular groups naturally reconnect upon contact. In testing, the sensor achieved nearly 100 per cent healing efficiency under water after 10 days. This capability ensures that devices can maintain structural integrity and sensing functionality even after sustaining physical damage in harsh, submerged conditions.
Did you know?
The SMES device is entirely self-powered. It uses electromagnetic induction—the same principle used in power transformers—where a small magnet and a liquid-metal coil generate voltage when an object nears the sensor or applies pressure.
Practical Applications in Robotics and Diving
The team demonstrated the versatility of SMES through two primary prototypes. The first, a smart diving glove, allows for wireless communication via Bluetooth. By mapping specific hand gestures to commands like “Help” or “Going up,” the glove enables divers to transmit status updates without verbal communication. Additionally, the glove includes integrated LED indicators that signal when the device itself has sustained damage.
The second application is a robotic hand designed for underwater grasping. This device uses a three-tier LED notification system to report its health: green for operational, yellow for minor damage, and red for severe structural failure. During experimental trials, the robotic hand successfully retrieved objects while simultaneously detecting and repairing punctures caused by sharp shells, demonstrating the potential for long-term deployment in autonomous underwater robotics.
Performance and Durability Benchmarks
Reliability remains a core metric for electronic skins. The NUS team reports that the SMES maintains stable output after 10,000 cycles of use, a standard benchmark for durability in electronic skin research. The sensor’s response time is approximately 41 milliseconds, which is roughly ten times faster than a human blink. Furthermore, the proximity-sensing capability remained consistent even after 10 days of continuous immersion in simulated seawater.
Pro Tip: When designing for underwater interfaces, prioritizing self-powered systems over battery-reliant sensors significantly reduces maintenance overhead and extends the operational window of robotic equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SMES sensor detect damage?
When the top layer of the sensor is cut or pricked, the electrical resistance of the material spikes. This change mimics the pain response in human skin, allowing the system to identify the location and severity of the injury.
Does the material require external heat to heal underwater?
While the elastomer reaches approximately 82 per cent healing efficiency in air with mild heating, it achieves nearly 100 per cent healing efficiency under water after 10 days without external intervention, proving the material is highly effective in submerged, ambient conditions.
Can this technology be used for prosthetics?
Yes. According to Assistant Professor Tan, the long-term goal is to integrate SMES technology into soft robots, prosthetics, and wearable devices to create machines that can sense their environment and recover from damage autonomously.
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