Time: 2024-07-06
Researchers at the University of Bristol , led by Professor Nathan Lepora , have made significant progress in the development of dexterous robotic hands . They explored the use of inexpensive tactile sensors in grasping and manipulation tasks . This breakthrough could have important implications for automated handling of goods in various industries , such as supermarkets or recycling centers.
The team at OpenAI had previously delved into robotic grasping but disbanded their research efforts in favor of generative AI . However , they recently announced a resurrection of their robotics division without specifying the focus . In contrast , the Bristol team investigated the use of cellphone cameras embedded in gripper fingertips to enhance tactile interaction with objects.
Manipulating objects with robotic hands in various positions poses challenges , as the hand must maintain stability against gravity while performing complex movements . The Bristol team made significant progress in training a unified policy for rotating items in any direction , even upside - down . This achievement opens up possibilities for more advanced dexterity tasks , such as assembling items like Lego blocks.
The research conducted at the University of Bristol has direct applications in the field of humanoid robotics . As the race to commercialize humanoid robots intensifies , new tactile sensors and advanced manipulation capabilities will be crucial for success . While the Bristol team focuses on primary research into materials and AI training methods , FingerVision , a Japanese startup , has already commercialized similar technology for tactile touch forces in food - handling applications.
The University of Bristol has developed a tactile robotic hand capable of rotating objects in any direction and orientation . Led by Professor Nathan Lepora , the team aims to advance the dexterity of robotic hands for various applications . The use of high - resolution tactile sensors , developed with smartphone camera technology , has enabled significant advancements in robotic hand capabilities.
The research at the University of Bristol was made possible through a Leverhulme Trust Research Leadership Award , highlighting the importance of funding in driving innovation in robotics . With the potential to revolutionize industries such as automation , the development of tactile robotic hands opens up new possibilities for enhancing efficiency and productivity in various sectors.