MIT’s soft robotic system is designed to pack groceries
How many objects were tested with RoboGrocery?
In the testing of RoboGrocery, researchers placed 10 objects unknown to the robot on a grocery conveyor belt1. These objects ranged from delicate items like grapes, bread, kale, muffins, and crackers to more solid ones like soup cans, meal boxes, and ice cream containers5. This variety was chosen to evaluate the system's ability to handle different sizes, shapes, and levels of fragility.
What feedback do the grasper's sensors provide?
The grasper's sensors provide feedback on the size, orientation, and delicateness of objects on a grocery conveyer belt. Pressure sensors in the fingers determine the fragility of items, helping the robot decide how to best pack them in a bag without causing damage.
Where might RoboGrocery be applied outside grocery stores?
RoboGrocery, developed by MIT's CSAIL department, has the potential to be applied outside of grocery stores, particularly in industrial spaces such as recycling plants1. The system's combination of computer vision and soft robotic gripper allows it to handle a wide range of items, making it a versatile solution for various industries requiring careful item handling and organization.