IRobot Unveils Compliant “Jamming” End Effector (Robot Hand)

At IROS 2009, IRobot demonstrated an interesting form of locomotion dubbed "particle jamming skin" (to create what became known as the "blob bot"). The robot was creepy, but the concept was interesting. In a recently available TEDMED 2009 talk (embedded below), IRobot CEO Colin Angle describes a unique particle jamming end effector (robot hand) for manipulation. By selectively inflating or deflating, the particle jamming end effector can change from a liquid-like state to ooze around a target object and then harden into a solid-like state to grasp or pickup the object. Colin shows a video of a PackBot with particle jamming end effector picking up medication, keys, and a (dummy) patient’s arm. He also does a live demonstration using a hand-held particle jamming system. Be sure to check out the video and stills below — they will help you understand this bizarre (but compelling) robot hand.