Communications of the ACM
Underwater Glove Puts Octopus' Abilities on the Hand of Humans
The Octa-Glove incorporates adhesive mechanisms based on an octopus's suckers, and an array of micro-LiDAR optical proximity sensors, connected through a microcontroller.
Credit: Alex Parrish/Virginia Tech
Researchers led by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Michael Bartlett have developed a glove inspired by an octopus for securely gripping objects underwater.
The researchers designed the Octa-glove to mimic the function of an octopus' suckers, activating an attachment for objects with light pressure, for clinging to flat and curved surfaces.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Eric Markvicka contributed an array of micro-light detection and ranging (LiDAR) optical proximity sensors, which were linked to the suckers via a microcontroller.
Said Bartlett, "By merging soft, responsive adhesive materials with embedded electronics, we can grasp objects without having to squeeze. It makes handling wet or underwater objects much easier and more natural."
From Virginia Tech News
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