# 178. Talk to The Hand: Meet The Robots With a Human Touch

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-06-11
- Length: 20m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch-IM0Rfyz5

## Summary

Daniel and Forbode discuss a team from MIT, including lead author Sandra Lou, who developed the 'Gel Palm' robotic hand to address the lack of tactile feedback in current robotic designs. The system combines a semi-flexible endoskeleton with a soft gel layer and uses embedded LEDs and Raspberry Pi cameras to reconstruct 3D geometry and pressure data from reflected light. The hosts highlight the platform's ability to handle delicate objects safely and its potential application in creating more human-like prosthetics, noting the use of off-the-shelf components like Adafruit LEDs and 3D printed molds.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch#t=0) Introduction: The Problem with Robotic Palms
- [3:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch#t=231) Gel Palm Design: Structural and Material Compliance
- [6:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch#t=381) Romeo Fingers and the Gel Palm Platform
- [9:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch#t=581) Visual Sensing: LEDs, Cameras, and Pressure Data
- [13:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch#t=821) Hardware Implementation: Raspberry Pi and 3D Printing
- [17:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-11-178-talk-to-the-hand-meet-the-robots-with-a-human-touch#t=1027) Limitations: Bulk, View, and Future Iterations

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- MIT (company)
- Gel Palm (product)
- Romeo (product)
- Atlas (product)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- Figure One (product)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Adafruit (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode Twenty-Seven: Simon Wanstall](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2022-11-25-episode-twenty-seven-simon-wanstall) (Robot Talk)
- [Bonus Episode: Giving robots the power of human touch](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-21-bonus-episode-giving-robots-the-power-of-human-touch) (Robot Talk)
- [Event-Driven E-Skins Protect Both Robots and Humans](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-07-08-event-driven-e-skins-protect-both-robots-and-humans) (EE Times Current)
- [Episode 113: Soft robotic hands - Kaspar Althoefer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-03-14-episode-113-soft-robotic-hands-kaspar-althoefer) (Robot Talk)
- [Digitizing Human Touch and Feel w/ Youssef Benmokhtar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-10-03-digitizing-human-touch-and-feel-w-youssef-benmokhtar) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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