A group of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has developed miniature robotic fingers with the aim of interacting with insects through touch. The idea is to “touch” them without hurting them while at the same time collecting data on some of their behaviour. Researchers say systems such as microbots can be used to measure the force you exert in actions such as fighting or walking, but they claim these are not direct interactions.🇧🇷 The team aims to develop ultra-soft fingers, for human interaction on a previously inaccessible scale.

And when they speak of an inaccessible scale, they say that the microscopic world can be observed, through microscopic instruments, but it is very difficult to interact when necessary. You are Micro-bots and micro-sensors were a step taken to measure insects and their behaviour. The new technology aims at different reactions as a result of direct interactions with insects🇧🇷

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As stated in the study published in Scientific ReportsThe little fingers are made of flexible liquid metal, with tension sensors. To simulate the muscles, the hand uses a soft pneumatic balloon, which allows for finger control. On the human side, there is a rubber glove that allows you to contact the “micro hand”, Allowing safe interaction with insects or microscopic objects.

In the first tests, the robotic hand was tested to assess the reactive force of the insect known as woodlice, that is, its legs, that it is pushing. The force calculation was 10 milli-newtons, which are values ​​pre-estimated by the sensors used. So says one of the researchers, Professor Konishi Robotic fingers make it possible to measure the strength of the legs and torso directly, independently of the insect, something that has not been possible until now.🇧🇷

The researchers also say that the technology can be used in augmented reality applications to interact with the environment on a microscopic scale.

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