Scientists invent Terminator-like self-healing skin for robots – SCREENSHOT Media

Scientists invent Terminator-like self-healing skin for robots

By Mason Berlinka

Published Jun 6, 2023 at 12:49 PM

Reading time: 1 minute

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 Alma Fabiani

What is Speedy from Queer Eye season 7 up to now? We asked the hero himself

By Alma Fabiani

Going Viral for Good: Meet Mathilde Caillard, the techno activist who danced against the French pension reform

By Alma Fabiani

Jonah Hill texts: Men who brag about going to therapy tend to be emotional abusers

By Charlie Sawyer

The Flash director and producer speak out on Ezra Miller controversy following drop of new trailer

By Alma Fabiani

Woman rants about being Instagram famous in viral plane meltdown video

By Jennifer Raymont

From Gwyneth Paltrow to HBO’s Succession, quiet luxury is getting louder than ever

By Jennifer Raymont

Get the look: Grandmacore would be giving Y2K a run for its money, it just can’t run that fast

By Mason Berlinka

Here’s why The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom isn’t living up to any of my expectations

By Mason Berlinka

Watch this viral video of a tourist defacing Rome’s historic Colosseum

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

WhatsApp’s disappearing messages tool may become permanent, and we’ve got politicians to blame

By Mason Berlinka

Disney tried to kill Nimona, but Netflix proved that LGBTQIA+ films are here to slay

By Louis Shankar

Celebrities abandon ship following Elon Musk’s blue tick mess. Is your favourite star next?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

6 things you need to know about the Maui wildfires and how to help

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Nearly 80 primary schoolgirls hospitalised for suspected poisoning in Afghanistan

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Who needs real love when you’ve got AI chatbots? Inside the worrying world of virtual girlfriends 

By Emma O'Regan-Reidy

Dry brushing: Gwyneth Paltrow’s obsessed with it but does it actually offer any benefits?

By Emma O'Regan-Reidy

From Kylie Jenner to Kate Moss, shop the hottest naked dress options for a fabulously sheer summer

By Abby Amoakuh

Here’s why BookTok is already hating on Milly Bobby Brown’s fiction novel Nineteen Steps

By Jennifer Raymont

15 jorts you’ll need to channel your inner Adam Sandler this summer

By Charlie Sawyer

The US Supreme Court has entered its authoritarian era, even AOC says so