The Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (AKA the RoMeLa Project)
at the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech has designed and
built a prototype robotic hand that is controlled and operated
by compressed air. Called RAPHaEL (Robotic Air Powered Hand with
Elastic Ligaments), the robot can hold heavier, solid objects,
as well as light or delicate ones such as a light bulb or an
egg. The hand is powered by a compressor air tank at 60 psi and
an accordion style tube actuator, with microcontroller commands
operating and coordinating the movements of its fingers. It uses
no other motors, and the strength of the grasp is controlled by
a change in air pressure, making the hand quite dextrous.
RAPHaEL -- which is part of a larger RoMeLa robot project named
CHARLI -- has already won several awards, including grabbing
first prize at the 2008-2009 Compressed Air and Gas Institute
Innovation Award Contest. RoMeLa researchers envision CHARLI one
day roaming the VT campus making friends with students and
visitors. We look