An extensible robotic tentacle

Abstract

From elephant trunks to octopus legs and human tongues, nature abounds with tentacles that are adept at manipulation. Kinetic Sciences Inc. has developed a robotic tentacle that moves like an organic tentacle and extends and contracts with independently controlled bending and compliance in two or more regions. Remote tendon‐driven actuation keeps actuator mass away from the manipulator for impressive strength‐to‐weight performance. Customizable in length and diameter, and optionally available with wrist‐rotate, gripper, and computer control, the KSI Tentacle tm has broad potential for a variety of teleoperated or automated applications including vacuuming, spray washing, general materials handling, agricultural harvesting, robotic refuelling, inspection, and endoscopy. The KSI Tentacle tm manipulator is suited to low‐cost mass‐production, and thus can be considered a “disposable robot”.