Soft Robotic Arm Inspired By Octopus Movement Holds Promise For Medical Services

A research team has created a soft robotic arm that moves like an octopus. This device possesses potential to transform medical care, especially for the elderly.

What do we know about the arm?

The robotic arm may be controlled with a finger glove. According to research lead Wen Li from China¡¯s Beihang University, such tech could give users a shot at playing "Doctor Octopus" like the Marvel films where "multiple arms perform various tasks simultaneously," South China Morning Post reported.

The soft robotic octopus arm (E-SOAM) attempts to mimic the agility of an octopus and fusing it with technology. "A key innovation of this robotic design is its departure from traditional mechanical arms that rely on end-effectors for interaction. Instead, the octopus-inspired movements of the E-SOAM enable a broader range of capturing," Wen said.

Beihang University

Also read: This Robotic Arm Can Perform Surgery And 3D Print Inside The Human Body

The E-SOAM device is intended to mimic the "bend propagation" motion seen in the tentacles of sea creatures like the octopus. The robotic arm is able to extend for up to 1.5 times its original length with flexibility at the centre of its operation. It can perform intricate tasks in confined spaces.

How does the robotic arm operate?

Combining sensory, signal processing, and communication components are key to developing a soft robotic system this like one. For researchers, imbibing these variables in an extendable soft robotic arm was a challenge that was resolved through electronic circuits built from liquid metals.

The arm's circuits can withstand stretching, a key feature of this device. With a wearable finger glove, the E-SOAM becomes even more interactive, allowing humans to remotely control the robotic arm.

Beihang University

With tactile feedback, the arm is able to mimic the sensations of touch, making it a more accurate and realistic tool with immense use value. Researchers demonstrated how an operator was able to grab a toy shark only with a wave and grasping movement of his fingers.

Also read: Scientists Create Tiny Robots Called 'Anthrobots' From Human Cells

Scientists outlined their work in a paper published in the journal Science Robotics.

Researchers hope that the feature will bring human-robot interactions a step closer. What do you think about this fascinating device? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com and click here for our how-to guides.