Stretchable hierarchical metal wire networks for neuromorphic emulation of nociception and antinociception

"This research presents a novel neuromorphic device designed to emulate nociception (pain-sensing) and antinociception (pain adaptation), key features of biological systems. Built using a hierarchical silver (Ag) microwire network on a stretchable substrate, the device is fabricated through a scalable and cost-effective crack-templating technique. Under strain, the network develops nanoscale gaps, which enable neuromorphic functionalities such as threshold switching, short-term and long-term plasticity, and adaptive behavior.

The device demonstrates a unique ability to mimic biological pain responses. When subjected to strain, it transitions from nociception, mimicking initial pain sensitivity, to antinociception, reflecting adaptation and habituation under repeated stimuli. Its enhanced sensitivity amplified sixfold in the potentiated state, allows precise strain detection, enabling applications in intelligent systems.
This is the first demonstration of antinociception at the device level, paving the way for artificial systems capable of higher-order cognitive learning. The study highlights the potential of such neuromorphic devices in wearable technologies, adaptive robotics, and energy-efficient neuromorphic computing, offering a transformative approach to integrating bio-inspired functionalities into next-generation intelligent systems".