Scientists at the Ecole Polytechnique et de transport ( EPFL ) have developed a new robotic gripper that can pick up delicate objects like eggs . Using the principle of electroadhesion , flexible and stretchable electrode flaps can grip and conform to an object 's shape like a thumb - index finger combination . The grippers can carry up to 80 times their weight . Practical applications include use for prosthetics , in chemical factories and even for lifting objects in space .
Scientists at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a new robotic gripper that can pick up delicate objects like eggs. Using the principle of electroadhesion, flexible and stretchable electrode flaps can grip and conform to an object's shape like a thumb-index finger combination. The grippers can carry up to 80 times their weight. Practical applications include use for prosthetics, in food factories and even for capturing debris in space.