SENDAI -- A fingerless inflatable robot "hand" has been developed that can grab knives, broken metal pieces and other objects of various shapes and sizes that can be dangerous for humans to handle.
Kenjiro Tadakuma, an associate professor at Tohoku University who specializes in robotics, led the team that developed the device, which is expected to be useful in disaster situations.
After the balloon-like device is filled with air, it can be pressed onto the target object, envloping it. Then the air is removed to fix the shape of the robotic hand to hold the object. When air is pumped inside again, the hand releases the object as it returns to its original ovoid form.
To keep the bag flexible, but hard to rip when it seizes a sharp object, the research team has developed a special weaving technique and processing method for the bag so the fabric won't tear even when stabbed by a knife. Inside the bag there is a layer of ceramic powder that helps the bag keep its shape while holding an object.
"This hand can be used by attaching it to a robot when entering a disaster situation, enabling [the robot] to turn a cracked metal valve or move debris," Tadakuma said.
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