Self-healing polymers for sustainable soft robots

Soft robots, inspired by biological systems, often face the issue of being prone to damage. However, biological entities have self-repair capabilities—a feature we’ve emulated in our soft robots to foster renewed confidence in their reliability. Our technological advancements enable these robots to self-heal, enhancing their durability and extending their operational lifespan. This innovation not only increases reuse but also allows for recycling, contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices. We’ve revolutionized the entire value chain by developing materials that surpass mere coatings; they form structural 3D components with diverse mechanical, conductive, and magnetic qualities. These materials are compatible with multi-material printing as well as extrusion and molding techniques—processes typically unsuitable for traditional network polymers due to thermal limitations and delamination risks at material interfaces. Our breakthroughs include self-repairing robotic grippers with embedded sensors that not only detect but also respond to damage.