Handcrawler: Evil Dead-like detachable robotic hand crawls, grasps, expands reach

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) researchers have developed a robotic hand that detaches from its arm and crawls like a spider to retrieve out-of-reach objects.

Aptly named the “Handcrawler,” this robotic hand can effortlessly detach from its arm, crawl across surfaces like a spider, grab objects, and then reattach itself.

If an object is situated beyond the arm’s reach, the hand can disengage using a combination of magnets and a locking screw, crawl to retrieve the object, and subsequently reattach itself to the arm for further use.

The design was exhibited at the 40th IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Versatile robot hand

Robot hands and crawling robots share fundamental similarities, such as having a main body with protruding parts that perform various tasks. However, most robotic hands are primarily designed for grasping, while crawling robots focus on mobility.

To date, no robotic hand has been specifically designed to handle both grasping and crawling simultaneously. Since both functions are important, relying solely on a grasping-centric design may not be ideal.

Designing a walking-grasping robotic hand isn’t a simple task, as it’s not something you can buy off the shelf. To develop this innovative device, researchers used a genetic algorithm to find the optimal design.

This algorithm tested various configurations, focusing on the number and placement of fingers in a simulated environment. According to IEEE Spectrum , the best design featured a five-finger hand, with two fingers dedicated to grasping objects when detached, while the other three were optimized for crawling.

As per the researchers, each finger has four degrees of freedom, allowing them to bend in both directions. This design enables the hand to lift objects without hindering its movement, making it highly versatile for tasks requiring both mobility and dexterity.

The team claims that this approach allows the robot hand to perform both functions effectively, offering a more versatile solution that bridges the gap between grasping and crawling capabilities in robotics.

Autonomous grasping hand

The Handcrawler’s unique design allows its fingers to bend both forward and backward, effectively doubling its ability to grasp objects in different ways. This versatility enhances its grasping capabilities compared to traditional robotic hands.

The Handcrawler attaches to the robot’s wrist using magnets for alignment and a screw mechanism that locks it securely in place. Although the system is manually controlled in the video, researchers mention that an autonomous version is already operational in the lab.

According to researchers, the autonomous system utilizes external localization and can execute an entire grasping sequence without human intervention.

The team highlights that this innovative approach allows for more flexible and adaptable robotic systems, allowing the robot to grasp and retrieve objects that would normally be inaccessible.

The implications of autonomous, detached robot hands moving independently are still uncertain. While they may enhance flexibility and efficiency, concerns about safety and control in various environments also arise.