A new robotics project from ETH Zurich has resulted in a disembodied robotic hand that can walk on its own digits, drawing comparisons to the character "Thing" from The Addams Family. This research explores the potential for such a device to be used by larger robots to reach distant objects that their main frames cannot access.
The robotic hand features four joints per finger. Its unusual, spider-like gait is controlled by software trained using neural networks and reinforcement learning in a simulator. This training process allows the software to iteratively determine optimal joint positioning based on previous movements. The hand can not only move forward but also right itself if tipped over. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to push small objects and press keyboard keys.
The accompanying demonstration video showcases the hand's movement set to cheerful music, offering a stark contrast to its somewhat unsettling appearance and ambulatory style.