Swiss Scientists Create an Unsettling Mechanical Hand
A group of researchers from ETH Zurich’s Soft Robotics Lab has developed a peculiar mechanical hand that can move across various surfaces, sort of resembling a blend between The Terminator and the disembodied hand from “The Addams Family.”
Interestingly, the team admitted their inspiration came directly from this iconic character, the disembodied butler controlled by Morticia, as reported by Fast Company.
Like its cinematic counterpart, this robotic hand can perform an array of intricate tasks, from shifting blocks to typing on a keyboard, demonstrated in a video tutorial.
If you knock it over, it even manages to right itself, reminiscent of a giant robotic hermit crab. Pretty impressive, right?
But you might wonder, what’s the real purpose of such an automated hand? Is it just for some Halloween shenanigans?
Robotics engineer Amirhossein Kazemipour explained that the goal was to create a machine that has a degree of “independence” apart from a larger system. This innovation could also assist individuals who struggle to reach or grasp items.
In their recent paper published in the journal Axriv, the researchers noted that the hand is capable of moving toward a control source or an object, interacting with that object, and returning for retrieval.
They also pointed out that allowing robotic hands their own mobility could dramatically increase the versatility of future robots in environments designed for humans.
While specific tasks for the robo-hand haven’t been clearly defined, tech experts speculate it could enhance larger robots in some capacity.
This Cyber-Thing is equipped with a battery, an onboard computer, and multiple sensors, enabling it to maneuver through a complex environment effectively.
As a result, it can traverse diverse terrains, from grassy areas to stone surfaces, maintaining a consistent speed.
Perhaps the hand’s most surprising achievement is its skill in retro gaming—using its nimble fingers to excel at the classic puzzle game Sokoban.
Still, it’s worth mentioning the hand has a long way to go before it could tackle something like brain surgery or play a Rachmaninoff piece. For starters, its battery life is still being optimized; after a few hours, it will need a break—palm down, of course.
