Overview
- The Nature Communications paper published January 20 details a hand that can detach from a robotic arm and use finger gaits to move itself and manipulate objects.
- The symmetrical, reversible architecture supports up to six identical silicone‑tipped fingers, enabling thumb‑like opposing pairs and holding items on either the palm or the back.
- Researchers used a digital library of human grasps and algorithmic optimization to tune finger count and motion, finding diminishing returns beyond five fingers.
- The five‑finger prototype reproduced about 33 grasp types and carried approximately 4.5–5 pounds in lab demonstrations.
- Coverage highlights potential for confined‑space retrieval, extending industrial arms and future prosthetics, while outside experts note limited fingertip force and little evidence of fine in‑hand manipulation.