In science fiction films, robots are often portrayed as formidable and unbreakable machines. However, a recent innovation by scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is redefining this perception with the development of a flexible robotic hand capable of gently handling delicate living things.
In a captivating demonstration, two soft, quivering black silicone strips, resembling chopsticks, were manipulated with magnetic precision to gently grasp and transport a fragile dandelion puff without disturbing its delicate structure.
This soft gripper, crafted by the USTC team led by Professor Li Mujun, integrates a porous structure into a magnetic silicone elastomer, allowing it to delicately handle fragile objects. The gripper is versatile and can be employed in a range of applications, from in-vitro fertilization to wildlife rescue.
Traditional rigid robotic ‘fingers’ made of metal are designed for strength and precision but are often too forceful when handling delicate items. Soft living objects require a delicate balance of adaptability and gentle gripping force—qualities that are challenging to achieve simultaneously.
To address this challenge, the USTC team introduced a pore-forming agent that decomposes upon heating to generate countless tiny pores within the magnetic silicone elastomer. This method ensures a high concentration of magnetic particles while maintaining exceptional softness and adaptability.
The intricate internal pores effectively absorb the shock energy from rapid grasping motions, reducing the risk of damaging fragile objects, as reported in the journal Advanced Materials. Additionally, the porous surface increases friction, improving grip stability and reliability.
In laboratory tests, the gripper successfully picked up a slippery live goldfish and a shell-less raw quail egg, demonstrating its gentle yet firm handling capabilities.
“In a small magnetic field, this gripper’s lifting ratio can reach 30, meaning it can lift objects that are 30 times heavier than itself,” said Professor Li Mujun, the lead author of the study.
Looking ahead, this soft robotic gripper has the potential to revolutionize medical procedures by enabling researchers and clinicians to delicately and noninvasively handle fine cell samples. Applications include the collection of oocytes, sperm, and other reproductive cells, as well as tissues from human organs. This spans multiple medical domains such as reproductive research, clinical procedures, drug screening, genetic disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
The gripper’s remote operability is a significant benefit, particularly when integrated with mobile platforms. For example, when combined with mobile robots, it enables gentle and precise handling of chicks, showcasing versatility in delicate tasks. Its compatibility with drones allows for efficient capture of small fish from bodies of water and swift, secure transportation over extensive distances.
This capability positions the gripper as a potential tool for both field sampling in natural environments and the rescue of small animals, expanding its applications beyond the laboratory.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
