[Tyler]

Anthropomorphic robotic arm from the DLR
     


 

Ioannis K. Erripis from the Robots Podcast
reports on a new hand developed at the Institute
of Robotics and Mechatronics
at Germany's Aerospace Centre DLR.
It combines accurate object manipulation, robustness and strength in a
quite compact and light package. The robotic hand is inspired by the
human one although anatomic fidelity isn't the main objective. It can
handle small and fragile objects but it is also able to exert forces of
30 newton at the fingertips. It is also able to survive a baseball bat
hit (an impact with a 66 g acceleration - see video)
while being relatively compact and light. The key of these hands'
amazing ability lies in its operating principle and its clever inner
workings: The fingers are held and operated by a web of 38 tendons made
from a very strong polyethylene fiber. The hand will be a part of a
complete two-arm torso and researches are focusing on grasping and
manipulations strategies and two-arms coordination. More details on the
mechanics after the jump.

   

http://robots.net/article/3095.html
     

[Art]

I'll have to "hand" it to you, Tyler, that was a good article!