2022 Annual Report 2022 | Page 49

they used a single sensor . They found that they could quickly pick up and release flat objects , metal toys , cylinders , the double-curved portion of a spoon , and an ultrasoft hydrogel ball . By reconfiguring the sensor network to utilize all sensors for object detection , they also were able to grip larger objects such as a plate , a box , and a bowl . Flat , cylindrical , convex , and spherical objects consisting of both hard and soft materials were adhered and lifted , even when users did not grab the object by closing their hands .
“ These capabilities mimic the advanced manipulation , sensing , and control of cephalopods and provide a platform for synthetic underwater adhesive skins that can reliably manipulate diverse underwater objects ,” said postdoctoral researcher Ravi Tutika . “ This is certainly a step in the right direction , but there is much for us to learn both about the octopus and how to make integrated adhesives before we reach nature ’ s full gripping capabilities .”
Looking forward , the researchers envision the glove playing a role in the field of soft robotics for underwater gripping , applications in user-assisted technologies and health care , and in manufacturing for assembling and manipulating wet objects .
This work was performed with Sean Frey , A . B . M . Tahidul Haque , Elizabeth Krotz , Cole Haverkamp , and Chanhong Lee , representing Virginia Tech , Iowa State University , and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln . The research was supported by the National Science Foundation through the Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future program .
Diagram of the Octa-glove ’ s function .
ANNUAL REPORT 2022
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