ETH Zurich researchers develop walking robotic hand

Researchers at the Soft Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich have developed a method to enable a standard robotic hand to walk on its fingertips. Unlike previous attempts that required modifying the hand's structure to have equal finger lengths, this team utilized a commercially available right hand from Wuji Technology that maintains its asymmetrical, human-like design.

The system uses machine learning and complex calculations to manage movement and balance. To achieve wireless autonomy, the researchers mounted a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, motion sensors, and a lithium-polymer battery pack onto the back of the hand. The resulting 818-gram system can navigate 14 different types of terrain, recover from falls, and perform fine motor tasks such as tapping keyboard keys or pushing small objects while balancing.

This advancement allows the robot to maintain the functional utility of an asymmetrical hand—essential for tool manipulation—while gaining the ability to relocate itself independently.