A research team led by Barbara Mazzolai at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) has unveiled an innovative octopus-inspired soft robotic arm. This development, which emerged from the Bioinspired Soft Robotics unit, showcases advanced technology that allows the robotic arm to autonomously grasp objects in challenging environments, including underwater. The arm's artificial suction cups are equipped with sensors that can detect contact and assess the intensity and direction of applied forces. This breakthrough, announced recently, highlights the potential of oceanic biology to inspire future robotics solutions, emphasizing the importance of nature as a model for technological advancements.
Education & Research
Special / Extreme Environments
Robot Manufacturer
Manipulation & Grasping
Motion & Navigation
Original from TechXplore:Robotics: Robotic arm inspired by octopus uses tactile sensors in suction cups for autonomous underwater grasping
Robotic arm inspired by octopus uses tactile sensors in suction cups for autonomous underwater grasping
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Korea, Republic of (South)
South Korean university research laboratory focusing on haptics, exoskeletons, rehabilitation robotics, and autonomous ground vehicles.
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United States
VA–Univ. of Pittsburgh research center founded 1994, developing wheelchair robotics and assistive mobility tech for veterans and people with disabilities.
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
United States
The REC Foundation is a US nonprofit that runs VEX-based robotics and drone competitions reaching 1.1 million students across 70 countries.
DRT Co.,Ltd.
Korea, Republic of (South)
South Korean drone manufacturer specializing in cleaning drones, defense drones, and drone software for safety-critical environments.
Easy Aerial
United States
US drone-in-a-box maker delivering NDAA-compliant tethered and free-flight autonomous UAS for defense, security, and critical infrastructure.
Eelume
Norway
Norwegian AUV startup offering snake-like autonomous underwater robots for subsea inspection, maintenance, and mine countermeasures.
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China
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China
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China
Chinese manufacturer of mecanum wheels, omnidirectional wheel bases, and mobile robotic platforms for AGV applications.
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Italy
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United States
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United States
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