One of the biggest barriers between humans and robots is touch, but the Gomer robot, a new open source toy being funded on Indiegogo, hopes to bridge the gap in that regard. According to its website, Gomer is "powered by soft robotics," meaning that it has the deftness of touch necessary to gently hold and pick up things that the typical robotic arm might struggle with.
Though of course people take it for granted, it takes an impressive amount of sensory ability to hold soft, delicate objects — a legerdemain typically beyond the skill of robotic processors. Gomer's soft robotic programming means that it can deal with these touchy objects; it can pick up soft items like food without dropping or damaging them.
Gentle Toy Robots
Gomer is an Open Source Toy Robot with a Soft Touch
Trend Themes
1. Soft Robotics - Soft robotic programming allows robots to handle delicate objects with precision and care.
2. Open Source Toys - Open source toy robots like Gomer encourage customization and innovation in the toy industry.
3. Human-robot Interaction - Developments in touch-sensitive robots like Gomer are improving the way humans and robots interact.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - Soft robotics technology presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the robotics industry, enabling more versatile and gentle robots.
2. Toy Industry - Open source toy robots like Gomer provide opportunities for customization and personalization, offering a new market segment within the toy industry.
3. Technology - Advancements in human-robot interaction through touch-sensitive robotics have the potential to impact various technological applications, from healthcare to manufacturing.