To mimic the mechanisms of the human hand, researchers at Yale University's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science have built a robotic hand capable of caging objects within its grasp.

Caging — wherein fingers from both hands surround an object and incorporate the palms to create a cage-like structure — was replicated via the robotic hand, called the Model W, built by the Yale team. The Model W prototype hand features two fingers facing two more fingers, which move via six servo motors, and a palm.

Source: Yale University's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

While most robots manipulate objects using their fingertips, the Yale research team suggests that incorporating the palm will expand the dexterity of the robotic hands.

The research appears in the journal Science Robotics. To see the Model W robotic hand manipulate assorted objects, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Yale University's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.