Scientists invent Terminator-like self-healing skin for robots

By Mason Berlinka

Published Jun 6, 2023 at 12:49 PM

Reading time: 1 minute

45339

If you had nightmares after watching The Terminator as a kid, then brace yourself because it might be a reality sooner than you think. Killer robots and self-sufficient automation may no longer be future pipedreams as scientists have broken new ground on artificial self-healing skin. First they allowed them to feel pain, and now this?

The team from Stanford University, led by professor Zhenan Bao, claim to have broken new ground in the development of synthetic skin, creating a multi-layer self-healing synthetic electronic skin that can self-recognise and repair itself when injured. It’s even able to function properly while healing.

The co-author of the paper, Dr Sam Root told Talker that the skin is “soft and stretchable. But if you puncture it, slice it, or cut it each layer will selectively heal with itself to restore the overall function. Just like real skin.” Right, just like real skin, only faster…

First unveiled in 2012, the invention can now also be programmed to detect an array of changes, from electrical to thermal. It also provides a barrier between the body and toxins, viruses and even ultraviolet radiation.

So, what does this mean for the future of humanity? Well, for starters it means that we’re closer to killer robots than we’ve ever been before, now that the technology is there to allow them to repair and heal on their own on the battlefield. We doubt they’ll be taking the shape of Arnold Schwarzenegger anytime soon, but it’s still a scary prospect.

It also means that androids and artificial automation are going to be even more viable in the near future. Those crusty touchscreens withering away in every McDonald’s might soon be able to shape themselves up after abuse from hungry customers. Heck, you might even see a robot working the grill in the back. What it says for the swathes of people who’ll be losing their jobs to robots and artificial intelligence is another question entirely.

The synthetic flesh, which also allows for robots to feel a sense of touch if desired, may also see a rise in sex robots. With ultra-realistic skin and an AI personality tailored to your wants, who needs real connections anymore?

It seems increasingly likely that gen Z will see androids implemented into society in our lifetime—we just hope they don’t go all Skynet on us and try to enslave us.

Keep On Reading

By Charlie Sawyer

Australian actor Joseph Zada cast as Haymitch Abernathy in upcoming Hunger Games prequel

By Charlie Sawyer

How influencer Liv Schmidt promotes toxic eating habits through the Skinni Société 

By Eliza Frost

Do artists really owe us surprise guests at gigs, or are our expectations out of control?

By Eliza Frost

Controversial American Apparel owner just opened LA Apparel in NYC and TikTok girlies are flocking to shop

By Eliza Frost

Taylor Swift is engaged to the boy on the football team, Travis Kelce 

By Charlie Sawyer

Johnny Depp plays the victim once more and anoints himself crash test dummy for #MeToo

By Eliza Frost

Jennifer Aniston to star in Apple TV+ adaptation of Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died

By Charlie Sawyer

Lawmakers pressure Trump to provide evidence that Venezuelan asylum seeker Andry Hernández Romero is still alive

By Eliza Frost

If everyone has an AI boyfriend, what does that mean for the future of Gen Z dating?

By Charlie Sawyer

From breaking up families to spreading rumours about Joe Biden’s death, here’s what QAnons been up to

By Charlie Sawyer

Fans express concern after Harry Potter TV series announces the casting of Harry, Ron, and Hermione

By Charlie Sawyer

Gen Zers are taking out travel insurance policies for their Labubus ahead of summer

By Eliza Frost

Bad Bunny is not touring the US due to fear of ICE raids at concerts

By Abby Amoakuh

BLACKPINK’s Lisa faces backlash after wearing civil rights icon Rosa Parks on her crotch at Met Gala

By Eliza Frost

Hailey Bieber’s new hands-free lip tint holder has everyone divided 

By Charlie Sawyer

Is Brooklyn Beckham feuding with his family? Rumours circulate after the chef skips his dad David Beckham’s 50th birthday

By Abby Amoakuh

Campaigners call for gamers who carry out virtual rape in the metaverse to be charged as real-life sex offenders

By Eliza Frost

All the Tea on the new app that lets women vet men and date safely

By Abby Amoakuh

You star Madeline Brewer faces misogynistic backlash after internet brands her character unlikeable

By Charlie Sawyer

Emma Watson reveals disgusting paparazzi ambush on her 18th birthday