Robot that swims while recovering itself even if it is destroyed

Technologies that help robot self-healing are being developed, such as a technique for repairing damaged metal like animal bones or a robot arm using self-healing polymers. A research team at the University of California, San Diego has developed a small robot swimmer that can heal and swim in the water even if it is newly amputated.

The research team revealed that it aims to develop a robot that continues its activities while self-treating even in places where it is difficult for people to enter. As the first step in achieving the goal, the research team developed a robot capable of self-healing. This 2cm long robot consists of three layers: a magnetic layer, a hydrophobic and rigid layer, and a conductive layer, and contains platinum in the tail.

Platinum contained in the tail reacts with hydrogen peroxide and causes a reduction reaction. Robots use reactions to swim around the surface. Even if the robot is sheared, it can heal itself by using its magnetic force. For example, if the tail part is broken, the fuselage side cannot move, but only the tail continues to swim by itself. Healing is possible depending on the location of the cut. For example, even if the middle of the body is cut, the side with the tail continues to swim and recovers by itself. It can be self-healing even if it is cut into 3 parts of the head, body and tail. First, the tail and body are attached, and then the head is attached, so you can get back to normal without any problems.

The robot developed this time only works in a limited environment such as a laboratory. However, the research team explains that the self-healing technology developed this time has the potential to be applied to robots that will one day perform dangerous tasks to humans such as industrial waste disposal. Related information can be found here.