Crawling Robotic Hand Boosts Object Handling, Access
- tech360.tv
- 5 hours ago
- 1 min read
Scientists have developed a detachable robotic hand capable of crawling and grasping objects, a design that could enhance capabilities in industrial, service, and exploratory robotics. This innovation enables tasks such as retrieving objects beyond normal reach and performing multi-object handling.
The research detailing this technology was published in the journal *Nature Communications*. Robotic hands often aim to replicate the human hand's dexterity but face limitations, including asymmetric structure and restricted reach.
These limitations can hinder tasks like grasping multiple objects simultaneously or accessing confined spaces. The new design addresses these challenges with a symmetrical structure.
Researcher Xiao Gao and colleagues presented two versions of the robotic hand, one with five fingers and another with six. Each hand features a palm 16 cm in diameter, allowing grasping from both sides.
The hand can also detach from its arm-mounted base to crawl independently. This mobility enables it to retrieve up to three objects sequentially and reattach while maintaining a secure grasp on the objects.
The device securely holds various everyday items, including a cardboard tube, a rubber ball, a whiteboard marker, and a tin can. It can replicate 33 human grasp types and hold objects weighing up to two kilograms.
Future research may explore specific applications for this technology, particularly in accessing and performing tasks within confined spaces.
Detachable robotic hand can crawl and grasp objects.
Design allows symmetrical grasping and multi-object handling.
Capable of retrieving up to three objects sequentially.
Source: TECHXPLORE
