Humanoid
Researchers have developed the BioflexBot, a novel robot hand that mimics core human hand motions with a simple design, using a coiled spring, constraining shell, and basic pneumatic system. This approach aims to capture fundamental hand functions without the complexity of replicating human anatomy, potentially offering a more practical solution for humanoid grippers.
Human hands are dexterous and versatile, but roboticists have found that copying their biological structures often results in complex and difficult-to-control systems. In a study published by Wiley in Advanced Science, the researchers proposed an alternative end-effector that focuses on function over form. The BioflexBot uses compressed air to control mechanical action, enabling it to pinch, rotate, hook, and grasp with just two pneumatic inputs.
“By harnessing structural and physical intelligence, we pursued a simple design capable of both cross-scale grasping and complex human-like manipulation,” said senior author Yingtian Li, Ph.D., currently of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.
The researchers validated the BioflexBot by demonstrating its ability to perform delicate tasks. It successfully manipulated an acupuncture needle and reliably transported liquid using a pipette, simulating pinching motions common in healthcare or laboratory settings. The BioflexBot also rotated a bottle cap, achieving almost four times the rotation capability of a human hand, and could hook objects such as a toolbox and goggles.
“Unlike most robotic hands that replicate the human form, at high hardware and control costs, our approach focuses solely on mimicking the functions, not the shape,” said Yang Yang, senior author and a Ph.D. at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. This design philosophy could lead to more efficient and cost-effective robotic hands for humanoid applications, though the study does not specify a commercial deployment timeline or target markets.
Source: The Robot Report