Bridgestone using tire technology to develop dexterous robot hand

Bridgestone Corp. is utilizing its rubber materials and tire technology expertise in developing a soft robot hand to help alleviate labor shortages in the logistics industry.

To be equipped with artificial intelligence technology to recognize objects, the robotic hand will have human dexterity and flexibility capable of packing fragile objects like raw eggs in boxes.

The robot hand’s "fingers" will be equipped with rubber actuators based on tire and hydraulic hose technology to let it grip objects of various shapes, hardness, and weights with just the right strength.

The robot hand will be designed to operate autonomously alongside workers in factories and stores.

Tokyo-based venture firm Ascent Robotics Corp, in which Bridgestone will invest 500 million yen, will be in charge of developing the "brain functions" of the hand.

Bridgestone hopes to make the soft robot hand commercially available in 2024.