Artificial Intelligence in Dresden developing emotional responses
In the heart of Dresden, the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) is pushing the boundaries of technology, with several exciting projects underway. Two of these projects, BioGrip and Nature4Nature, are particularly noteworthy for their innovative approaches and potential applications.
The BioGrip project is inspired by the movement of fish fins and aims to develop a technology that can mimic this movement to gently grasp objects. Researchers at the IWS are combining several 3D printing processes and integrating special silver sensors to provide the necessary sensitivity in the fingers. These sensors react to touches, pressure, and curvature, allowing the robots to grip just tightly enough to avoid damaging people or objects. The future applications of this technology are vast, ranging from harvest robots that pick strawberries without squashing them to machines that collect sea urchins without injuring them.
The Nature4Nature project, on the other hand, focuses on preventing microplastics from being released into natural water cycles. Inspired by certain rays, paddlefish, and other suspension feeders in the oceans, the IWS researchers are collaborating with industry and research partners to develop innovative filters that can prevent microplastics from entering our waterways and ultimately our oceans.
The concept behind these projects is called "bionics", which involves the technological imitation and further development of biological principles found in nature. Other projects at the IWS include laser systems that replicate lotus effects and other natural tricks for repelling dirt, ice, or friction as fine patterns on surfaces.
The Fraunhofer IWS is continuously testing prototypes for various applications in different projects. The technology developed in the BioGrip project could simulate other functions of the human hand in the future, such as estimating the weight of an object. The Nature4Nature project, meanwhile, could lead to significant strides in preserving our environment by reducing microplastic pollution.
These projects are prime examples of how nature can inspire innovative solutions to modern problems. The work at the Fraunhofer IWS in Dresden is not only pushing the boundaries of technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future.
