Description; General - QB Robotics SoftHand2 Research General Manual

QBSOFTHAND2 RESEARCH USER MANUAL — 11

4 Description

4.1 General

qb SoftHand2 Research is an anthropomorphic robotic hand based on soft-robotics technology. It is
flexible, adaptable and able to interact with the surrounding environment, objects, or even humans while
limiting the risk of injuring operators, spoiling products, or damaging the robot itself.
The introduction of the two-motors attuation allows the qb SoftHand2 Research to exploits the principles
of first and second synergies in an intrinsically intelligent design, that is not only safe w.r.t. unexpected
human-robot interaction but also adaptable to grasp and manipulate different shaped objects, showing an
unparalleled level of simplicity and flexibility. Combining the two Synergies and/or the movements of
motors, the qb SoftHand2 Research can performs different gestures, as shown in the following picture.
Figure 4. — qb SoftHand 2 Research gestures.
The combination of these innovations results in a plug-and-play, simple to control and affordable device.
The custom-made electronic board inside the qb SoftHand2 Research is composed of a logic stage for
communication and low-level computation, and a power stage for motion control. This, together with a
DC motor and its absolute encoder, establishes a simple position and current control feedback regulated
by a properly tuned PID controller.
The qb SoftHand2 is generally shipped with an Adapter Board and a 3 meter-length cable.