“Robot Skin Heals Itself”: The obsession of Tech over humans

Scientists are going overboard. Working on a world where machines can “heal” themselves. Just the word usage in itself is absurd. Showing: humanity is going in the wrong direction.

Now machines repairing themselves would be great. But let’s not confuse the difference between living creatures and robots. Anything that doesn’t breath has no life. Putting robots and living organisms on the same level and in the same category is not only deranged and a sign of human devolution — it is dangerous.

A team of engineers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a “self-healing”, artificial muscle that mimics the way biological tissue repairs itself. For robots. A development that scientists think could possibly change the way we think about technology, sustainability, and even our relationship with the machines around us.

I have a problem with that. Too much effort has been done in trying to put the human on the same level as a robot. Language like “self-healing” for robots; or changing “our relationship with machines” is not doing humanity any favors or doing us any good. It de-humanizes the human and humanizes robots.

So, how does the self repair in robots work? Through a process called Joule heating. When the artificial muscle detects damage—say, a tear or a break in its structure—it automatically heats up the affected area. This heat triggers a self-repair mechanism, allowing the material to “heal” itself without any human intervention. It’s like your skin closing up a cut, but for robots! The system uses something called electromigration to erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan. That means less waste, fewer repairs, and a whole new level of efficiency.

There are uses where this could be beneficial: in manufacturing, healthcare, disaster response, and even space exploration. In many of these environments, sending a human to fix a broken part isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous or downright impossible. Self-healing technology means robots can keep working longer, safer, and with less downtime. That’s a huge win for industries that rely on automation.

But the implications go even further. By reducing the need for constant repairs and replacements, self-healing materials could dramatically cut down on electronic waste. That’s a big deal for sustainability, especially as our world becomes more dependent on technology. Imagine prosthetic limbs that last longer and require fewer replacements, or manufacturing equipment that can “bounce back” from wear and tear. The potential for saving resources—and money—is enormous.

Of course, this technology is still in its early stages. There are challenges to overcome, like scaling up production and making sure the materials can handle real-world conditions.

So the technology itself is useful - as long as we do not put robots on the same level — or even above — humans. Humans have a divine origin. Robots do not. Let’s not ever confuse that.

The positive side of this development is of course that the inspiration came from nature. For millions of years, living organisms have evolved ways to repair themselves and adapt to their environments. By studying these natural processes, scientists are finding new ways to make technology smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable. But the big difference is this: Nature uses self-healing for LIVING organisms. Living means breathing. Robots are not living organisms.