MIT engineers have built a robotic gripper capable of grasping objects purely by reflex, adapting in real-time to roll, palm or pinch an object to get a more secure hold. The system consists of a high-speed arm, two lightweight, multi-jointed fingers, a camera mounted to the base of the arm, and custom high-bandwidth sensors at the fingertips.
A high-level planner begins processing visual data of a scene, marking an object’s current location where the gripper should pick the object up, and then the location where the robot should set it down. The planner then sets a path for the arm to reach out and grasp the object, at which point the reflexive controller takes over. If it fails to grasp the object, three reflexes are activated within the last centimeter, enabling the fingers to grab, pinch or drag an object for a better hold.
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In environments where people live and work, there’s always going to be uncertainty. Someone could put something new on a desk or move something in the break room or add an extra dish to the sink. We’re hoping a robot with reflexes could adapt and work with this kind of uncertainty,” said Andrew SaLoutos, a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.
