Robot octopus suckers get real

You wouldn't want to mess with these suckers: Researchers have 3D-printed robotic suckers that mimic the actions of octopi and squid, a tech site reported over the weekend.

 

Such printed animal parts may help future robots grip objects, move around and even restrain human prisoners, tech site Mashable reported.

 

"The suckers — which already demonstrate enough power to lift a wine bottle — could be applied not only to tentacles robots, but those with more traditional limbs to increase their grip strength. The research team is currently focused on testing different types of materials to make sure they’re building the suckiest sucker possible," it said.

 

Mashable said robotic fingers are hard to make, and a human hand and finger may not be able to squeeze into cramped spaces.

 

On the other hand, it said the octopus' tentacle is much better suited for such situations due to its strong, flexible limbs with small suckers.

 

"Each of these (suckers) exert suction pressure independently, offering it unprecedented control, along with excellent grip strength," Mashable said.

 

Engineers led by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory hope to replicate the tentacle with robotic suckers, using an advanced, multi-material-ready 3D printer.

 

"The self-sealing suckers are powered by a central vacuum that applies suction when a sucker comes into contact with an object. That means no suction is wasted on powering grippers that aren’t gripping anything. The ones that are gripping are then more focused and powerful," Mashable said. — TJD, GMA News