In this video, two types of soft robotic grippers are shown successfully collecting coral samples at the bottom of the Red Sea. The first gripper features opposing pairs of bending actuators, while the second gripper – inspired by the coiling action of a boa constrictor – can access tight spaces and clutch small and irregular shaped objects. The grippers were developed by Wyss Core Faculty member Robert Wood and Wyss Mechanical Engineer Kevin Galloway in collaboration with researchers from Baruch College, CUNY, and University of Rhode Island.
Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University