A team from Poland-based Clone Robotics has developed a biomimetic robotic hand that is capable of handling various objects ranging from a tennis ball to a mechanical drill.

To create the robotic hand — dubbed model number V15 — the Clone Robotics’ team used pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs), which are flexible and lightweight mesh tube structures that can expand and contract according to the amount of air flow inside them.

Source: Clone Robotics

In addition to the mesh tubes, the robotic hand also features balloons filled with acetaldehyde — a chemical that lets atmospheric pressure within the balloons to increase to more than six times when an electric current is passed through them.

Due to this configuration, Clone Robotics was able to produce the pneumatic pressure necessary to move the different parts of the robotic hand without using a heavy external air pump. Changes to the pressure inside the balloons cause the mesh tubes to contract or expand, according to Clone Robotics.

The company is eyeing the robotic hand for applications in homes, factories and laboratories.

To see how the robotic hand handles an assortment of objects, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Clone Robotics.