Dynamic, Gentle Robotic Gripper Could Improve Industrial Safety

University at Buffalo  engineers have developed a two-fingered robotic hand that can alter the firmness of its grip. The robotic hand's design enables it to absorb energy from impacts during collisions. This prevents whatever the robot is holding from breaking, and also makes it safer for people to work with and near the machines. The gripper could be ideal for human-robot partnership in assembly lines in automotive and electronic packaging industries.