New self-healing artificial ‘pain nerves’ could give humanoid robots human-like reflexes

Image credit: Tung Lam via Pixabay. Article by Christopher McFadden. Interesting Engineering – January 11, 2026. Research article: Advanced Functional Materials.

Researchers from China’s Northeast Normal University have developed a novel soft, jelly-like electronic “pain nerve” that could give robots human-like reflexes. These “nerves,” the researchers explain, can feel pressure at different intensities, not just on and off. What’s more, the nerves appear to become more sensitive once they’ve been “injured.” Over time, as they “heal,” the nerves also calm and become less sensitive. […]

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