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Tactile Detection Robotic Hand System

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 		Award ID:
96714 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
09SB3-0084 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
DARPA 09-005 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
SynTouch LLC
2222 South Figueroa St PH2 Los Angeles, CA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Tactile Detection Robotic Hand System
Agency / Branch: DOD / DARPA
Contract: N10PC20056
Award Amount: $98,915.00
 

Abstract:

We have developed a robust, multimodal tactile sensing technology that has similar sensitivities and mechanical properties to the human fingertip. We will incorporate these sensing modules into a mechatronic anthropomorphic robot hand and develop computer software to perform exploratory behaviors and discriminate objects based on sensory feedback. This sensor is based on a biomimetic design and strategies. The world is full of tools and objects for which the human hand seems ideally suited. Not only is the human hand a highly evolved solution to many difficult problems, but the world has evolved to accommodate its strengths and weaknesses. Much of the emphasis on biomimetic design of robotic hands to date has concerned the mechanical linkages f?" the location and nature of rigid segments, articulations between them and linkages to actuators (bones, joints and tendons, respectively). But such anthropomorphism is no guarantee of success; achieving functionality such as dexterous manipulation will require the addition of sensors and sensorimotor control algorithms, which should also benefit from biomimetic design.

Principal Investigator:

Nicholas Wettels
Director of Research and Design
2134770710
nick.wettels@syntouchllc.com

Business Contact:

Matthew Borzage
Head of Business Development
2134934400
matt.borzage@syntouchllc.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

SynTouch LLC
2222 South Figueroa Ave. PH23 Los Angeles, CA 90007

EIN/Tax ID: 262961880
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No