Illustration of the twining motion in a twining plant (left); Spiral soft robotic gripper before actuation (center); Actuated soft spiral gripper holding a flower. | Credit: University of Georgia College of Engineering
Scientists often look to nature for cues when designing robots – some robots mimic human hands while others simulate the actions of octopus arms or inchworms. Now, researchers in the University of Georgia College of Engineering have designed a new soft robotic gripper that draws inspiration from an unusual source: pole beans.