Octopus-inspired glove lets you manipulate objects underwater

This "octa-glove" lets you pick up objects using octopus-like suckers Artificial suckers inspired by those of an octopus could allow robots to delicately grasp objects that they are usually too clumsy to hold. The technology has been demonstrated in a wearable glove for humans, but researchers say similar devices could one day be used in machine limbs. Octopuses have fine control of around 2000 suckers on their eight limbs, allowing them to dexterously pick up and manipulate objects. Michael Bartlett at Virginia Tech says this ability inspired him to create tiny rubber suckers tipped with flexible membranes that can be activated to create suction and stick to objects. His team created a wearable glove with a sucker and a micro-LIDAR sensor on each fingertip.