MIT Develops Extra Fingers

Jul-20-14 Researchers at MIT have created a way to let one hand do the work of two with their wearable robotic fingers.

The 'supernumerary robotic fingers' are attached to a device worn around the wrist, where they extend from either side of the wearer's hand. They are controlled with an algorithm able to monitor the position of the natural fingers and manipulate the robotic fingers in the most helpful way, allowing for autonomous operation. The developers envision the device as a way to allow users to perform a task with one hand, and activities such as opening a jar or envelope have already been proven successful in lab tests.

Ultimately, the team hopes the technology could be streamlined to the point where the robotic fingers could be folded and stored in a pocket until needed.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[NEWSOFFICE.MIT.EDU]

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