Three prototype artificial cephalopod chromatophores are shown in unactuated states. The chromatophores are made from dielectric elastomer using tape coated with black carbon grease electrodes University of Bristol

A group of researchers from Bristol University has created a prototype artificial skin that can mimic nature's very own master of camouflage, the squid, paving the way for smart materials of the future.

The team, from the university's Department of Engineering Mathematics, said it has developed artificial cephalopod chromatophores: the cells that enable squid and octopi to change colour and evade predators.


Inspired by the pattern-morphing properties of these cells, the team created an artificial skin made from electroactive dielectric elastomer -- a pliable smart material that can copy the action of natural chromatophores found on squid's skin. These pigmented cells work by expanding and contracting to change skin colour and texture instantly.

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As the video shows, the researchers programmed the cells to sense what their neighbours were doing and copy them -- allowing them to blend in with their surroundings. The research, published in the Journal of the Royal Society's Interface publication, found that the cells could mimic the complex patterning in real cephalopods -- including the predator-diverting Passing Cloud display, where bands of colour move as waves across the surface of the skin -- when arrayed linearly.

It's hoped that the breakthrough will open the door for real-life camouflage materials in the future. Aaron Fishman, visiting fellow in engineering mathematics, commented: "Our ultimate goal is to create artificial skin that can mimic fast acting active camouflage and be used for smart clothing such as cloaking suits and dynamic illuminated clothing."

He continued: "The cloaking suit could be used to blend into a variety of environments, such as in the wild. It could also be used for signalling purposes, for example search and rescue operations when people who are in danger need to stand out."