Synthetic Chromatophores for Color and Pattern Morphing Skins

Abstract

The dynamic optical and mechanical properties of cephalopod skin cannot be mimicked using traditional display technologies. Soft materials (and systems thereof) have the potential to realize cephalopod-like color switching capabilities synthetically. This report describes the fabrication of stretchable arrays of microstructured, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, "synthetic chromatophores," that emulate the mechano-dynamic action of color change found in cephalopods. By combining multiple layers of these synthetic chromatophores, soft skins with color and pattern morphing capabilities that leverage halftone absorption, optical interference, and microlensing are demonstrated. These skins, made entirely of soft materials, are inherently stretchable and can be programmed to respond to specific environmental stimuli, making them well-suited for applications in soft robotics and human-machine interfaces.