Multifunctional robot skin based on liquid metal composites and electrode arrays

Abstract

While human skin regulates body temperature and protects the organism, robots also need multifunctional skin that can protect their internal electronics. Currently, most of the research on robotic skin focuses on the limbs with the aim of improving their sensory functions. There is a lack of a robotic skin with protective features that can be applied to the whole body. In some complex working environments, too high or too low temperatures can directly jeopardize the operation of the robot's internal circuitry. In addition, ubiquitous electromagnetic waves can damage the electronic system of robots. Therefore, an e-skin that protects the robot from external factors was desired. In this study, with reference to the structure of human skin, a gallium-based liquid metal and a bismuth-based low-melting-point alloy were combined to prepare a highly thermally conductive e-skin that can withstand both thermal shock and low temperature. This skin not only features thermal management, but also touch positioning and electromagnetic shielding. The development of multifunctional robot skin (MFR skin) will extend the service life of robots, broaden their application areas, and enable future robots to replace humans to accomplish more complex and operationally difficult tasks.