SINGAPORE, Dec. 6, 2024 — In an extraordinary advancement for the fields of robotics and smart textiles, a pioneering team of scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has introduced a revolutionary innovation: the Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fibre. This state-of-the-art material not only emits vibrant light but also boasts remarkable properties such as self-healing capabilities and magnetic responsiveness.

The SHINE fibre represents a significant leap in combining multiple functionalities into a single, flexible device. It can bend, illuminate brightly, and astonishingly heal itself after damage—regaining nearly all of its original brightness. Moreover, this incredible fibre can be wirelessly powered and manipulated using external magnetic forces, making it an unparalleled choice for a wide range of applications, from soft robotic fibres to responsive interactive displays in smart textiles.

"Today's digital information is predominantly conveyed through light-emitting devices. Our goal is to create sustainable materials that emit light while exploring new forms, like fibres, to enhance various applications, including smart textiles. Self-healable design, reflecting biological processes like skin, represents a promising approach," said Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, the project's lead investigator.

This impressive research, conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) at NUS, has been featured in the prestigious journal *Nature Communications* on December 3, 2024.

The Multifunctional Marvel: A New Era in Robotics and Wearables

Light-emitting fibres have emerged as a critical area of research due to their vast potential across diverse fields, such as soft robotics and wearable technology. The ability of SHINE fibres to provide dynamic lighting, real-time optical signalling, and interactive displays significantly enhances human-robot interactions, adding a layer of responsiveness and cognitive understanding to these systems.

Traditional light-emitting fibres, however, face challenges like fragility and difficulty in merging numerous features without complicating their design or increasing power consumption. The innovative SHINE fibre successfully tackles these obstacles by integrating light emission, self-healing, and magnetic actuation seamlessly.

Constructed with a unique coaxial design, the SHINE fibre consists of a nickel core for magnetic interaction, a zinc sulfide electroluminescent layer for light production, and a transparent hydrogel electrode. Employing a scalable ion-induced gelation method, researchers have successfully produced fibres extending up to 5.5 meters while maintaining their functionality even after nearly a year of exposure to the environment.

“Given the bright indoor lighting in modern spaces, achieving a luminance of 300 to 500 cd/m² is crucial,” noted Assoc. Prof. Tee. “Our SHINE fibre boasts an impressive luminance of 1068 cd/m², making it exceptionally visible even in well-lit areas.”

Enduring Strength: The Next Generation of Wearable Tech

Self-healing properties are especially vital for the longevity of these fibres. The hydrogel layer restores itself through reformation of chemical bonds in common atmospheric conditions. Meanwhile, the nickel core and electroluminescent layer regain structural strength and practical functionality through heat-induced interactions at 50 degrees Celsius. Remarkably, the recovery process ensures that over 98% of the fibre’s original brightness is retained, enabling the reuse of potentially damaged materials—a major step toward sustainability.

In addition to its self-healing prowess, the nickel core also allows for magnetic actuation. “This offers fascinating applications for light-emitting soft robotics, capable of intricate movements within confined areas and real-time optical signalling,” added Dr. Fu Xuemei, the study’s first author.

Future Directions: Exploring New Frontiers in Human-Robot Interaction

The possibilities for the SHINE fibre are vast. It can be interwoven into smart textiles that not only glow but also heal from cuts, merging durability with advanced functionality in the wearable tech sphere. Its intrinsic magnetic properties grant it the ability to serve as a soft robotic element, where it can emit light, self-repair, and navigate complex environments even after being severed.

Looking ahead, the NUS team has ambitious plans to enhance the precision of the fibre's magnetic actuation, allowing for even more sophisticated robotic applications. Furthermore, they are investigating the incorporation of sensing capabilities—such as temperature and humidity detection—into textiles crafted solely from SHINE fibres.

With these groundbreaking developments, the future of human-robot interaction seems bright—quite literally! This remarkable invention not only represents a significant scientific achievement but also paves the way for more resilient and interactive technology in our everyday lives.