Multi-Finger Robot Hand for Laboratory Tool Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems struggle to handle multiple types of tools efficiently in experiments involving biological samples, as specialized hands are required for each tool, necessitating frequent replacements and hindering automation.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a manipulator and controller that includes an articulated arm and a hand with multiple fingers, capable of performing various operations such as aspirating, pipetting, and scooping, allowing a single hand to handle multiple tools like aspirators, electric pipettors, and spatulas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized hands are used for each tool type, then the robot can perform specific operations accurately, but the hand must be replaced frequently when switching between different tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single robotic hand capable of performing multiple functions through different grip configurations. The hand can hold various tools including aspirators, electric pipettors, and spatulas by adjusting finger positions, eliminating the need for specialized hands for each tool type and reducing replacement time
2Ease of operation
If the hand structure is simplified, then the robot system becomes easier to operate, but the ability to handle multiple types of tools is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a hand structure with multiple degrees of freedom and adjustable finger positions. The fingers can be dynamically reconfigured to match different tool shapes and sizes, allowing a relatively simple hand structure to achieve high versatility in handling various laboratory tools
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot system (100) includes a workbench robot (20) including a manipulator that manipulates an object on a workbench, and a controller (30) that controls an operation of the workbench robot (20), the manipulator including an articulated arm and a hand that is positioned at the distal end of the arm and includes plural fingers having j oints, the hand having a structure in which a first group of fingers including a first finger and a second group of fingers including a second finger and a third finger face each other and hold the object therebetween, the controller (30) causing the workbench robot (20) to perform at least two kinds of processes among the processes of causing the hand to hold an aspirator to aspirate a liquid, causing the hand to hold an electric pipettor to suck and discharge the liquid, causing the hand to hold an electric micropipette to suck and discharge the liquid, and causing the hand to hold a spatula to scoop and transfer a powder material.