In a breakthrough that challenges the traditional image of robust and unyielding robots seen in science fiction, scientists from the Chinese mainland have unveiled a flexible robotic hand designed to handle delicate living organisms with unprecedented care.
During an impressive demonstration, two slender black silicone strips, reminiscent of soft chopsticks, were deftly controlled using magnetic precision to gently grasp and transport a fragile dandelion puff without causing any harm. This groundbreaking device, known as the soft gripper (PMSG), was developed by a team from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).
The PMSG integrates a porous structure into a magnetic silicone elastomer, enabling it to delicately manipulate fragile objects. Unlike traditional rigid robotic metal "fingers," which can exert excessive force and damage sensitive items, the PMSG achieves a delicate balance between adaptability and gripping strength.
Incorporating a pore-forming agent that decomposes upon heating, the USTC team’s innovative approach ensures a high concentration of magnetic particles while maintaining exceptional softness. These tiny pores help absorb shock energy from rapid movements, minimizing the risk of damaging delicate items. Additionally, the porous surface enhances friction, increasing grip stability and reliability.
Laboratory tests have demonstrated the gripper's versatile capabilities, successfully picking up delicate objects such as a slippery live goldfish and a shell-less raw quail egg. Professor Li Mujun, the lead author of the study, highlighted the gripper's impressive lifting ratio of 30, allowing it to handle objects thirty times heavier than itself within a small magnetic field.
"Considering its pinching method, this gripper's performance is impressive, though it doesn't quite match the gripping power of octopus-like wrapping techniques," Li remarked to Xinhua.
The potential applications for the PMSG are vast, ranging from medical research and clinical procedures to wildlife rescue and environmental sampling. Its capability to handle fine cell samples noninvasively could revolutionize fields such as reproductive research, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, the gripper's compatibility with mobile platforms like drones opens up opportunities for efficient and gentle handling of small animals in their natural habitats.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
