ETH researchers are developing a
robotic gripper that can manipulate small and fragile objects without touching
them. The technology is based on sound waves. Conventional robotic grippers are
prone to damaging fragile objects. To counter this, soft, rubber-like grippers
can be used. Although these cause no damage, they are easily contaminated, like
a well-used rubber eraser. Additionally, these soft robotic grippers only offer
limited positioning accuracy.
Gripping without touching is the
principle behind this research project (No-Touch Robotics). The technology is
based on an effect that has been exploited for more than 80 years and was first
used in space exploration. Ultrasound waves generate a pressure field that
humans cannot see or hear. Pressure points are created as the acoustic waves
overlay each other, and small objects can be trapped within these points. As a
result, they seem to float freely in the air, in an acoustic trap.
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