Can robots turn pages?
Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a "flex-and-flip" manipulation technique for robots to grasp thin, flexible objects, like pages or cables, lying flat.
By flexing the object and using its internal energy, a robotic gripper achieves a stable grasp as the object flips between its fingers.
This method works with simple, compliant mechanisms and requires minimal control. Experiments with robotic page turning show its reliability and effectiveness, paving the way for practical applications in handling delicate, flexible materials