Robotic Fingertip Can Detect Hidden Objects and Remove Them from a Container

A robotic fingertip that’s completely computer controlled, allowing for robots to search for buried objects in a buried container. The mechanical finger – known as the Deep Penetrator Synthetic Forearm – is able to detect objects and remove them from the frame through three layers of adhesive material. The prosthetic finger moves on hydraulic actuators and causes the second layer of adhesive to separate, essentially allowing it to move through the terrain with the end of the finger in the center.

“The robot uses vibration that causes the actuators to raise and lower, and the design allows the sensor to separate by working independently from the surface that the patient is lying on,” said research professor Per-Anders Olsson.

These sensors rely on molecular chemistry to determine the relative positions of two substances, creating a three-layer open conductive pad – an inverse of the internal chamber of a meteorological instrument – where electrodes are placed.

Although the sensor moves through the elevator bearing, it stays connected to the electrodes through the sensor and the component that moves the step to activate the actuators. The sensor is able to detect what’s in the way to avoid obstacles.

Although it can handle surface material, the Deep Penetrator requires more support to work on the surface of water and air as well as land. So, as technology continues to improve, we hope the limb will be able to do more than just pick up objects.

This new prosthetic finger is designed to make “humiliation and pain less relevant” to people who live in extreme environments and need to work longer hours. And while the robot is great, it’s only a first step. The team said that developing prosthetic limbs to speak and communicate may be an important step toward helping people continue to have roles that the impaired are capable of performing without assistance.