Robot hands are not just impossible gadgets you see Tony Stark play with on-screen anymore.
Shadow Robot, a London-based robotics company’s robot hand works with sharp dexterity and precision that lets you pick up even tricky objects.
We got to try it out for ourselves at this week’s International Conference on Robotics and Automation in London.
So, how does it work?
First, we strap the sensors to my hand and fingertips. Then I make sure I’m within range of the system’s virtual walls. Finally, once I step on a paddle, I’m in control of the 4.3kg robot arms.
It doesn’t take too long to get used to, as it’s super intuitive. So, if I suddenly drop my hands, they don’t crash into the table.
Shadow Robot says these are the world’s most dexterous humanoid robot hands. In addition, it is the only robot hand on the market to have 24 movements and 20 degrees of freedom.
The best part is it can work with teleoperation technology, so you can control these hands from anywhere. Picture someone sitting on another continent and packaging your delivery orders!
The company also offers gloves with haptic feedback allowing you to ‘feel’ sensations of touch.
The device works on Wi-fi and 5G services so you can control the hands wherever you are.
Applications for robotic hands range from operating dangerous tools with precision to handling hazardous objects. The teleoperation system can also allow skilled workers in volatile areas to perform their work remotely.
The robots are even available for hire at events where companies want to impress guests with advanced technology.
It is also used as a research and development tool in labs and universities as a testing hardware for AI and Machine Learning.
AI companies like OpenAI have previously used the Shadow Hand to study ways of learning dexterity using the complex task of solving a Rubik’s cube single-handedly.
They trained their system entirely in simulation and the robot hand was able to demonstrate it in the real world.
While they can be really fun to play with, these robotic hands represent one of the latest advancements in robotics, years in the making.
So, it might take a while for you to get your hands on them.
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