MUMBAI, India, April 17 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202621022837 A) filed by Rajarambapu Institute Of Technology, Walwa, Maharashtra, on Feb. 26, for 'bio-inspired robotic gripper with programmable stiffness, texture modulation, and self-healing skin.'
Inventor(s) include Dr. Sachin B. Khot; Prof. Amol Chavan; Prof. Akshay M. Kulkarni; Shubham Satuppa Patil; Yash Satish Surve; Rushikesh Rahul Dhumal; and Arundhati Sanjay Gavade.
The application for the patent was published on April 17, under issue no. 16/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "This invention describes a bio-inspired robotic gripper system is disclosed, comprising modular finger units with independently programmable stiffness modulation, dynamic surface texture adaptation, and embedded multi-modal sensing. Each finger integrates variable-stiffness actuators and tactile, thermal, and vibration sensors to enable real-time object classification and context-aware manipulation. A dual-stage control algorithm dynamically adjusts actuation force and surface properties based on object mass, compliance, and fragility, thereby optimizing energy consumption. The gripping surface includes reconfigurable microstructures-via shape-memory or pneumatic mechanisms-for enhanced contact with smooth or irregular surfaces. The outer skin comprises a self-healing polymeric material capable of passive repair upon damage. A passive fail-safe release mechanism ensures safe object disengagement during power loss or fault conditions. The system enables adaptive, safe, and energy-efficient manipulation across diverse domains, including surgical robotics, agricultural handling, and industrial automation, offering improved operational versatility, environmental robustness, and longevity over conventional gripping technologies."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
