Engineers at MIT and Stanford University have developed a tendril-like robotic gripper that wraps around objects and then gently lifts them.
The innovative robot consists of a pressurized box that releases inflatable tubes that can expand around objects before retracting to lift them.
Engineers designed it to safely handle both fragile objects, such as a glass vase, as well as heavier and oddly shaped objects, such as watermelons.
In a groundbreaking development for the care industry, even a person can be lifted.
Compared to some other robots focused on caregiving, like the abandoned Robear, this new design certainly appears to be a more serious attempt to address some of the challenges faced by those working in the caregiving industry.
“Transferring a person from bed is one of the most physically demanding tasks a caregiver performs,” said Kentaro Barhydt, a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, in a press release. “Such a robot can relieve the caregiver and be gentler and more comfortable for the patient.”
The vine-inspired robot works by switching between open-loop (extend and wrap) and closed-loop (form a sling and lift) configurations. The loop locking mechanism allows the robot to secure and lift objects or people without disruptive repositioning or significant movement. Notably, the robot can even slide under a person lying on a bed before forming closed loops around the torso and legs to perform the lifting process. Check out the video below to see it in action.
As you can see, the robot appears to be ideal for use in nursing homes due to its soft, inflatable structure, helping nursing staff move patients comfortably and safely.
The remarkable technology could also be modified for tasks in agriculture, healthcare, heavy industry and automated port operations, the team said.
MIT and Stanford University have not yet announced a target date for commercial use of the robot, suggesting that there is still some development and testing needed before there is any hope of a meaningful rollout.
