Introduction
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne has unveiled a robotic hand that can detach from an arm, crawl, and manipulate objects with a level of fine motor control that rivals and even exceeds that of a human hand. In a study published Tuesday in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrated the device’s ability to unscrew a mustard bottle cap while holding the bottle steady.
At a Glance
- The hand can operate independently, detach, and crawl to targets.
- Two prototypes were built: a five-finger version and a six-finger version.
- In a practical test, the hand unscrewed a mustard bottle cap with precision.
- Why it matters: The technology could transform warehouse logistics, disaster relief, and even prosthetic design.
Design and Development
The project unfolded in two phases. The first prototype featured five fingers that matched human dexterity while navigating confined spaces. The second iteration added a sixth finger, enabling simultaneous grasping of multiple objects. When attached to an arm, the six-finger hand could lift larger items just as a human would.
| Feature | Five-Finger Prototype | Six-Finger Prototype |
|---|---|---|
| Number of fingers | 5 | 6 |
| Ability to lift single object | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to hold multiple objects | Limited | Yes |
| Detachable from arm | Yes | Yes |
The research team emphasized that the hand’s design “exceeds human capabilities by allowing any combination of fingers to form opposing finger pairs, enabling simultaneous multi-object grasping with fewer fingers and non-anthropomorphic grasping.”
Testing and Performance
A key demonstration involved a mustard bottle. The hand held the bottle and unscrewed the cap, showcasing a high level of fine motor control. The team noted that this test proved the device could perform common grasping modes while surpassing typical human constraints.
The representative for the project did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, the researchers highlighted that the hand’s ability to crawl directly to a target and grasp it “enables efficient handling in environments such as warehouses, where objects may be located within dense shelving.” They also mentioned its potential in service robotics, where the system can autonomously retrieve dropped items.
Potential Applications
The technology’s versatility opens several avenues:
- Warehouse logistics – Rapid retrieval from tight spaces.
- Disaster relief – Accessing debris or confined areas where human reach is limited.
- Service robotics – Autonomous item pickup in retail or hospitality settings.
- Prosthetics – Although non-anthropomorphic, the hand could offer enhanced manipulation for users.
The researchers hope that the non-traditional configuration could effectively serve in specialized environments requiring augmented manipulation abilities.
Future Outlook
While the hand is not yet ready for commercial deployment, the study lays groundwork for future iterations that could integrate sensory feedback, energy efficiency, and more robust materials. The team’s ambition is to develop a system that can operate in complex, real-world settings without the constraints that limit current robotic grippers.
Key Takeaways
- A detachable, crawling robotic hand has been built that can handle multiple objects.
- The six-finger prototype demonstrates superior grasping flexibility.
- Real-world tests show fine motor control comparable to a human hand.
- Potential uses span warehouses, disaster zones, service robotics, and prosthetics.
- Further development will focus on real-world adaptability and user integration.
Bio
Jonathan P. Miller Writer
Jonathan P. Miller is a writer under News Of Los Angeles‘s home energy and utilities category. He came to News Of Los Angeles straight out of college, where he graduated from Seton Hall with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. For the past seven months, Jonathan P. Miller has attended a White House press conference, participated in energy product testing at News Of Los Angeles‘s testing labs in Louisville, Kentucky, and written one of News Of Los Angeles Energy’s top-performing news articles, on federal solar policy. Not bad for a newbie.
When Jonathan P. Miller is not asking questions or doing research for his next assignment, you can find him in his home state of New Jersey, kicking back with a bagel and watching an action flick or playing a new video game.
You can reach him at tgraham@News Of Los Angeles.com. Expertise: Community solar, state solar policy, solar cost and accessibility, renewable energy, electric vehicles, video games, home internet for gaming.
