Stretchable Glove for Precise Hand Motion Detection to Find Application in Remote Surgical Robots

Developed by researchers at Seoul National University (Seoul, South Korea), this stretchable glove incorporates flexible liquid metal sensors that allow for the simultaneous estimation of finger bone lengths and joint angles through a single sensor system. It is designed to adapt to various hand sizes, facilitating real-time tracking and accurate reconstruction of the wearer's hand movements. As reported in Nature Communications, the stretchable glove has an accuracy of approximately 2 mm for bone length estimations and within 5 degrees for joint angle estimations.

The error margin for estimating fingertip position is about 4 mm, enabling precise replication of fingertip movements. This accuracy allows for the precise manipulation of objects, such as remotely interacting with smartphone screens or controlling TV remotes. This precision greatly enhances its utility in fields like remote surgical operations, humanoid robot hand control, and immersive VR and AR experiences. The developers of the glove expect it to play a vital role in advancing robotics and medical technology.

"The ability to accurately track and reconstruct various hand movements with this stretchable glove will enable more precise robot manipulation and interaction in the future," said Professor Yong-Lae Park from Seoul National University who led the research team.

Related Links:
Seoul National University