A team of international scientists has unveiled a groundbreaking robotic invention that looks as if it leapt straight from The Addams Family. Inspired by the character “Thing” from Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, researchers have developed a hand-shaped robot that can detach from its arm, crawl independently, grasp objects, and then reattach itself.
The research, published in Nature Communications, was conducted in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and partner institutions. Unlike conventional robotic hands modelled closely on human anatomy, this innovative design challenges biological limitations by reimagining how a robotic hand should function.
The device features a circular palm equipped with identical, reversible fingers that can bend in both directions. This symmetry allows any two fingers to function as opposing digits, enabling the robot to grasp objects from multiple angles and even perform simultaneous grips. According to senior author Aude Billard, “One of the problems with the human hand is its asymmetry,” which often requires complex wrist movements to perform certain tasks.
One of the robot’s most remarkable capabilities is its ability to detach from the arm and transform into a crawling machine. Using its fingers as legs, the hand can move into confined or hard-to-reach spaces, retrieve objects, and then return to reattach seamlessly.
The design was refined through advanced computer simulations before real-world testing. Potential applications include industrial inspections of engines and pipelines, service robots capable of retrieving dropped items, and future developments in prosthetics and human-robot interaction.
While experts note current limitations in grip strength and fine motor control, many hail the project as a major breakthrough. By moving beyond strict imitation of human anatomy and instead drawing inspiration from nature, researchers believe this invention could usher in a new generation of highly adaptable, mobile, and intelligent robotic systems.
The crawling robotic hand represents a bold step forward in redefining the boundaries of robotics and human-machine collaboration.
