This Robotic ‘Finger’ Could Perform Your Next Intimate Physical Exam

A novel robotic “finger” with human-inspired features has been created by researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). It has the potential to conduct physical examinations like to those conducted by medical experts in the near future. The bioinspired soft finger (BSF) is an advanced robotic finger that can perform various jobs such as taking pulses and feeling for abnormal lumps in tissue. It is supposed to resemble the sensitivity and tactile precision of a human hand.

The BSF’s creation addresses two major issues in medical practice: a shortage of trained physicians and patient discomfort during examinations, especially when performed by a doctor of the opposite gender. According to the researchers, the robotic finger could make these exams less invasive and more comfortable, encouraging more people to undergo routine physical evaluations.

The BSF features a bending actuation body and integrated multimodal sensing. Its design includes a semicircular shape with a PneuNet (pneumatic networks) structure, which consists of channels and chambers that allow it to bend and mimic the movement of a human finger. When pressurized, these air chambers expand, enabling the BSF to “feel” the stiffness of objects in a way similar to how doctors use their hands for diagnosis.

In tests, the BSF was able to search for and recognize model lumps in tissue, accurately identifying abnormalities. It also successfully found an artery in a human participant’s wrist and measured their pulse. These abilities demonstrate the potential of the robotic finger to perform accurate and safe medical palpations, akin to those done by experienced physicians.

The researchers believe that their BSF could be a game-changer in healthcare. With its ability to perform delicate and precise exams without the limitations of cold hands or physician shortages, this innovative technology could soon find its way into medical clinics, offering a more accessible and consistent approach to physical examinations.