Scalable, low-cost, and versatile, the soft robotic hand almost "copies" the human hand

Image source: Alves et al./Robotics and Bionic Systems

Robots based on flexible materials can replicate the appearance, movements and abilities of humans and animals very well. Although numerous flexible robots have been developed, they are difficult to mass-produce due to the high cost of their components or complex manufacturing processes. Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have recently developed a robotic hand that is cheaper and easier to manufacture. The achievement, published in the latest issue of Robotics and Bionic Systems, integrates flexible actuators with exoskeletons, both of which can be produced using scalable technology.

Most robots are made of rigid materials, but animals in nature have mostly hard parts (bones) and soft parts (such as muscles). Some animals, such as earthworms, are completely soft. The next generation of robots, inspired by nature, will also use components made of soft materials.

Compared to rigid robots, soft robots are safer and can coexist better with humans or animals in outdoor and indoor environments - in the event of a collision, these robots rarely cause significant damage or harm to the living creatures.

Before manufacturing the robot, the researchers used finite element analysis to optimize the design to reduce the cost of prototyping. Conventional 3D printing proved to be effective.

The new robotic hand is based on several different materials. Its carefully designed structure is designed to replicate the appearance and function of a human hand, reproducing its movements and capabilities. The configuration of the robotic hand consists of 5 flexible actuators, one for each finger, and an exoskeleton that improves the finger's bending ability. Switch controllers maintain the finger bending angle, allowing the hand to effectively grasp objects of different shapes, weights and sizes.

The research enables the optimization of designs prior to manufacturing, increasing the accessibility of soft robotic hands, reducing costs and eliminating time-consuming design-and-manufacturing procedures that typically rely on resource-intensive iterative workflows.