# Durable Healing Materials A Newly Developed Self-Healing Material Could Be the Future of Robotics By Justin Lam | Published 2018-06-04 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfhealing-material1 References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/04/carnegie-mellon-research-self-healing-electrically-conductive-material-technology/) & [washingtonpost](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2018/05/24/terminator-skin-researchers-create-self-healing-material-for-robots/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.d01d25280eab) By combining the properties of metal and plastic, researchers at US university [Carnegie Mellon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reskin) have created a new self-healing material that could present new and exciting opportunities for [soft robotics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-robot) and wearable tech. The material is currently nameless and is a composite comprised of liquid metal drops suspended in an elastic polymer. These metal droplets respond to damage by forming new connections with neighboring droplets and rerouting electrical signals. As a practical building source, the self-healing material could eventually lead to robots that could repair their skin like humans, or [ultra-thin wearable tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery) that would not face degradation over time and exposure to the elements. Further suggested uses of the self-healing material include first responder applications, as well as inflatable architecture that could withstand the harsh environments of Mars. Image Credit: Carnegie Mellon ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Self-healing Materials:** The development of self-healing materials presents opportunities for the advancement of soft robotics, wearable tech, and other industries that require materials that can repair themselves. - **Liquid Metal Composites:** The use of liquid metal composites could revolutionize various industries, including robotics, electronics, and architecture. - **Responsive Materials:** Responsive materials that can change and adapt to their environment have potential applications in fields like medicine and construction. ### Where This Applies - **Robotics:** The use of self-healing and liquid metal materials could revolutionize the robotics industry by creating robots that can repair themselves. - **Wearable Technology:** Self-healing materials can lead to the development of ultra-thin and durable wearable technology that can withstand the elements. - **Architecture:** The use of self-healing materials in inflatable architecture could lead to structures that can withstand harsh environments and repairs itself. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Flexible Hip Implant Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superelastic-alloy.md) - [AI-Enabled Smart Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-smart-bandages.md) - [Wearable Robotic Medical Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/als-medical-technology.md) - [Reactive Robotic Textile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorskins-selk.md) - [Adaptable 3D Printing Resins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin.md) - [Scar Tissue-Evading Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-implant.md) - [Robotic AI Surgeons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woxsen-university.md) - [Robot Skin Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reskin.md) - [Connected Monitoring Bandages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wound-bandage.md)