Robotic Fingers Invented At MIT

Some clever engineers at MIT have developed a device that, when worn on the wrist, gives its wearer an extra pair of fingers. The device uses a unique algorithm to mimic human movement, according to Joseph Kenan, writing for Fierce Medical Devices.

Called” Supernumerary Robotic Fingers” the invention consists of levers linked together that can exert the same force on an object, as can human fingers. One lever is located next to the wearer’s thumb and the other next to the fifth finger. They move in sync with the wearer’s fingers when he is grasping objects.

“This is a completely intuitive and natural way to move your robotic fingers, ” said Harry Asada, the Ford Professor of Engineering in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. “You do not need to command the robot, but simply move your fingers naturally. Then the robotic fingers react and assist your fingers.”

As reported by Keenan, Asada, along with graduate student Faye Wu, unveiled the device at the Robotics: Science and Systems conference in Berkeley, California. Asada said that the algorithm the two developed to correlate the positions of the two robotic fingers with their five human partners “teaches” the device certain postures the wearer wants them to take.

The inventors believe that people suffering from limited dexterity in their hands may find Supernumerary Robotic Fingers helpful in their daily lives in doing things like opening jars or carrying heavy objects.