US-made robotic hand with 91.9% success rate grips chips, raspberries without crushing them

University of Texas researchers developed FORTE, a robotic hand that uses tactile sensing inspired by fish fins to handle delicate objects without crushing them. The 3D-printed fingers contain air channels that detect pressure changes, providing real-time force feedback to prevent slipping and damage. Testing on 31 objects including potato chips and raspberries achieved a 91.9% success rate, significantly outperforming traditional visual-feedback grippers and opening applications in healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing.