Multi-Finger Robot Hand for Tool Switching-Free Lab Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems struggle to handle multiple types of tools efficiently, particularly in experiments involving biological samples like cells, due to the need for specialized hands that require frequent replacement when operation targets change.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a manipulator and controller that uses an articulated arm with a hand featuring multiple fingers, allowing it to perform tasks such as aspirating, dispensing liquids, and handling spatulas with a single hand configuration, enabling handling of various tools like aspirators, electric pipettors, and micropipettes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized hands are used for each operation target, then the ability to handle specific tools is improved, but the need for frequent hand replacement increases and operational continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single robot hand that can handle multiple types of tools including aspirators, electric pipettors, and micropipettes. The hand incorporates multiple fingers with joints that can be positioned in various configurations to grasp different tool shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for specialized hands for each tool type and enabling continuous operation without hand replacement
2Ease of operation
If the hand structure is simplified, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to perform multiple tasks with one hand deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hand into multiple independent fingers, each with its own joints and degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows each finger to be independently positioned and controlled, enabling the hand to adapt its configuration to match the specific shape and requirements of different tools while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating joints in the fingers that allow for dynamic adjustment of finger positions and configurations. This enables the hand to transition between different grasping postures to handle various tools appropriately, combining structural simplicity with operational versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of hands are prepared for different tools, then the adaptability to handle various tools is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single robot hand that can handle multiple types of tools including aspirators, electric pipettors, and micropipettes. The hand incorporates multiple fingers with joints that can be positioned in various configurations to grasp different tool shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for specialized hands for each tool type and enabling continuous operation without hand replacement
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a workbench robot including a manipulator that manipulates an object on a workbench, and a controller that controls an operation of the workbench robot, the manipulator including an articulated arm and a hand that is positioned at the distal end of the arm and includes plural fingers having joints, 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 causing the workbench robot 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.