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Shanghai, China – Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have unveiled a revolutionary robotic hand that mimics human dexterity and tactile sensitivity, marking a significant leap forward in robotics. The breakthrough lies in the hand’s ability to coordinate its palm and fingers with remarkable precision, enabling it to grasp objects with stability, perceive their 3D contours, and differentiate between materials.
The research addresses a critical challenge in robotics: the underutilization of the palm’s crucial role in manipulation. While previous soft robotic hands focused on finger sensitivity, this new design integrates the palm as a vital sensory and mechanical component.
The team overcame limitations in sensing density and finger interaction by developing a fully integrated system featuring three key innovations:
- High-Resolution Tactile Palm: Boasting an astonishing 181,000 sensing units per square centimeter, the palm is 754 times more sensitive than human skin. This allows for detailed tactile feedback.
- Highly Flexible Fingers: Capable of 204.3 degrees of bending, the fingers provide exceptional dexterity and adaptability. They also provide 14.6 newtons of grasping force.
- Intelligent Coordination Algorithms: These algorithms enable seamless interaction between the palm and fingers, optimizing grip and manipulation.
The palm’s advanced visual-tactile system combines micro-cameras with multi-layer elastic sensors, while the fiber-reinforced pneumatic fingers offer both strength and delicacy. Demonstrations showcased the hand’s ability to perform intricate tasks, including retrieving cards with precision, detecting fabric flaws, and pouring tea without spills.
Furthermore, the integration of advanced AI technology significantly enhanced the hand’s object recognition capabilities. In blind tests, the robotic hand achieved an 88 percent overall recognition accuracy, reaching 100 percent for distinctive objects like sunflower seeds, when retrieving objects from opaque bags.
“Our results suggest the promise of fusing rich palm tactile sensing with soft dexterous fingers for advanced interactive robotic operations,” the researchers stated in their publication in the journal Nature Communications.
This groundbreaking research paves the way for advanced robotic applications in various fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration.
Disclaimer: While the technology shows promising results, it is still in development. Real-world applications may face challenges and require further refinement. The accuracy and reliability of the robotic hand may vary depending on the specific task and environment.
