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IEEE Spectrum·

🤖Robots Get Koala Grips and New Joints

Robots are getting koala-like grips and advanced joint skins

TL;DR

Robots are getting koala-like grips and advanced joint skins, making them more adaptable and safer for real-world use. The RAI Institute's gripper and University of Tokyo's joint skin are leading the way.

Robots are getting koala-like grips and advanced joint skins, making them more adaptable and safer for real-world use. The RAI Institute's gripper, inspired by koalas, offers two thumbs per hand, enhancing grip strength and versatility. Meanwhile, the University of Tokyo's joint skin uses 44 pressure and stretch-sensitive elements to mimic human proprioception, improving robot stability and interaction. These advancements are crucial for robots in homes and industries, ensuring they can handle a variety of tasks without causing harm. The RAI Institute's gripper and the University of Tokyo's joint skin are set to revolutionize robotic interactions, making them more reliable and user-friendly.

Robots Get Koala Grips and New Joints — IEEE Spectrum

Key Points

1

RAI Institute's gripper mimics koala hands with two thumbs, enhancing grip strength and versatility.

2

University of Tokyo's joint skin uses 44 pressure/stretch sensors to mimic human proprioception, improving stability.

3

Agility Robotics raised $20M to accelerate production of humanoids for various applications.

4

DEEP Robotics Lynx M20S joined the grape harvest in Turpan, China, aiding farmers under intense heat.

5

Carnegie Mellon's Safe AI Lab teaches robots to navigate obstacles using adaptive full-body maneuvers.

Why It Matters

If you're working on robotic applications for home or industrial use, the RAI Institute's gripper and the University of Tokyo's joint skin are crucial. These advancements enhance grip strength and stability, making robots safer and more versatile for real-world tasks. For instance, the RAI gripper's dual thumbs improve handling of delicate objects, while the joint skin's 44 sensors ensure precise, safe movements in dynamic environments.

roboticsgrippersjointskoala-gripsproprioception

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're working on robotic applications for home or industrial use, the RAI Institute's gripper and the University of Tokyo's joint skin are crucial. These advancements enhance grip strength and stability, making robots safer and more versatile for real-world tasks. For instance, the RAI gripper's dual thumbs improve handling of delicate objects, while the joint skin's 44 sensors ensure precise, safe movements in dynamic environments.

What happened?

Robots are getting koala-like grips and advanced joint skins, making them more adaptable and safer for real-world use. The RAI Institute's gripper and University of Tokyo's joint skin are leading the way.

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