• A detachable crawling robotic...

*Result*: A detachable crawling robotic hand.

Title:
A detachable crawling robotic hand.
Authors:
Gao X; School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. xiao.gao@epfl.ch., Yao K; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA., Junge K; School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland., Hughes J; School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland., Billard A; School of Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. aude.billard@epfl.ch.
Source:
Nature communications [Nat Commun] 2026 Jan 20; Vol. 17 (1), pp. 428. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jan 20.
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: Nature Pub. Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101528555 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2041-1723 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 20411723 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Nat Commun Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Original Publication: [London] : Nature Pub. Group
MeSH Terms:
Robotics*/instrumentation , Robotics*/methods , Hand*/physiology, Hand Strength/physiology ; Fingers/physiology ; Humans ; Equipment Design ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Male
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Grant Information:
741945 EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20260120 Date Completed: 20260120 Latest Revision: 20260123
Update Code:
20260130
PubMed Central ID:
PMC12819392
DOI:
10.1038/s41467-025-67675-8
PMID:
41559054
Database:
MEDLINE

*Further Information*

*The human hand is often viewed as the pinnacle of dexterity, and many robotic hands adopt anthropomorphic designs, while others pursue non-anthropomorphic forms for structural balance or task optimization. However, human-like asymmetry and reliance on a single thumb limit applications that require symmetry or modularity, and most designs still struggle to combine autonomous movement, multi-object grasping, and modularity in one platform. We present a reversible finger design that allows grasping from both sides, with finger placement optimized to distribute roles and satisfy grasping and crawling constraints. In this work, we show that a detachable, reversible hand reliably combines manipulation and locomotion, enabling beyond-reach multi-item retrieval during crawling, one-handed tool use, and seamless bridging of stationary manipulation with autonomous mobility for industrial, service, and exploratory robotics.
(© 2025. The Author(s).)*

*Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.*