Scientists create soft and scalable robotic hand based on multiple materials

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed an innovative soft robotic hand designed to be both affordable and scalable. Detailed in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems, the new design employs a blend of soft actuators and a supportive exoskeleton that can be fabricated using scalable methods. Drawing inspiration from nature, where animals are a mix of hard and soft materials, the team led by Pedro Neto aimed to create a safer, more versatile robot that can better interact with humans and their environment. The hand features five soft actuators, each corresponding to a human finger, and an exoskeleton that enhances bendability. Finite element analysis was used in the design phase to optimize the hand's structure, substantially reducing both cost and time in the prototyping process. Initial tests indicate that the robotic hand can effectively grasp a variety of objects, demonstrating its potential utility in various applications—from testing new AI algorithms to assisting humans in daily tasks.

Read More: https://techxplore.com/news/2023-08-scientists-soft-scalable-robotic-based.html