Copying ants could help robots get a better grip [English]

Source: ukri.org | Author: University of Edinburgh | Read the full article in English

Mimicking the unique features of ants, researchers have developed a new type of robotic gripper that could significantly enhance the way robots handle objects. This innovative gripper, designed by a team at the University of Edinburgh, incorporates tiny hairs similar to those found on ants' jaws. These hairs help the gripper to better grasp and stabilize various items, improving its success rate in picking up objects from 64% to an impressive 90% during tests.

The design of this gripper is simpler and more cost-effective compared to traditional robotic systems that often try to replicate human hands. Instead of relying on complex technologies, this new approach draws inspiration from the natural world, specifically the efficient methods ants use to carry food and build nests. The researchers believe that this technology could be beneficial in various sectors, including retail and environmental services, by enhancing productivity and efficiency.

As the team continues to test the gripper for durability, they aim to enable it to pick up unfamiliar objects in cluttered environments, which is particularly useful for tasks like environmental clean-up. This advancement not only showcases the potential of biomimicry in robotics but also highlights how studying nature can lead to practical solutions in technology.

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