To expand the capabilities of robots, scientists in Dresden have developed robotic hands with advanced sensing abilities. Inspired by nature, these robotic hands use sensor integration and 3D printing to replicate the delicate touch of a human hand. This breakthrough could pave the way for robots that harvest crops, assemble products, or explore remote terrains with greater dexterity and control.
By John Adams
Nature-Inspired Robotics for Enhanced Dexterity
Researchers from Dresden’s Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) have developed robotic grippers that “feel” by mimicking natural systems. Using a combination of 3D and dispensing printing, they’ve engineered grippers equipped with sensors that gauge force, allowing robots to grip objects with precision. These enhanced robots could soon be used in agriculture to pick delicate produce or in planetary exploration to handle unknown objects carefully. Projects like “BioGrip” and “Nature4Nature” aim to replicate biological principles to build robotic grippers that act similarly to human hands.
Borrowing Abilities from Aquatic Life
In designing these sensitive grippers, scientists drew inspiration from fish, whose fins naturally respond to pressure by moving inward rather than away from it. This adaptive response, known as the “Finray effect,” allows fish to move more efficiently by creating an opposing force to external pressure. Applying this principle, engineers have designed grippers that use sensors and Finray-inspired movement to hold objects securely without exerting damaging force. This technology was developed and tested extensively through the BioGrip project between mid-2021 and early 2023.
Advanced Sensors Mimic Human Touch
The team’s work centers on sensors that enable robots to recognize exactly how much pressure is needed for different objects, preventing damage to fragile items. With this technology, robotic grippers can “sense” texture and firmness, adjusting their grasp accordingly. These advancements open up applications in agriculture, where robotic harvesters could gently pick fruit, and in underwater exploration, where robotic arms can handle sensitive marine samples. The combination of biological principles and modern technology is transforming robot interactions with their environment.
The Future of Responsive Robotic Applications
As robotic technology advances, the use of nature-inspired designs could revolutionize machine function in numerous fields. Responsive grippers are being tested across different industries, from food processing to space exploration, enhancing the potential of robots to operate autonomously. Engineers hope that continued advancements in bionic technology will create machines capable of performing increasingly complex tasks with minimal human intervention. This fusion of sensor technology with biological inspiration marks a significant step toward more adaptable and self-sufficient robotic systems.
This latest research highlights the promise of biologically inspired technology to transform robotics, offering an exciting glimpse into future applications.
Based on information from mdr.de and own research.