Researchers from Japan and Switzerland have unveiled a groundbreaking robotic hand designed to revolutionize disaster response and recovery efforts. It is developed under the project CAFE (Collaborative AI Field Robot Everywhere).
Backed by Japan’s Cabinet Office and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the project has been in development for five years and represents a collaborative effort between Kumagai Gumi, Tsukuba University, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, and ETH Zurich. The robotic hand was created with the dual purpose of enhancing safety and precision in post-disaster cleanup operations, especially in areas filled with unstable debris, collapsed structures, or flooded zones.
What sets this robotic hand apart is its adaptability. Using pneumatic actuators that mimic air-powered muscles, the device can switch between a delicate grip for fragile objects and a firm hold for heavy, irregular debris. At demonstrations in Tsukuba, the hand showed its versatility by lifting both foam blocks and jagged metal pieces with equal control, without causing damage. Real-time sensors embedded in its palm and fingertips allow the system to adjust its force instantly, making it highly effective in unpredictable environments. Capable of handling loads of up to 3 tons, the machine is compact enough to reach places inaccessible to conventional heavy equipment, offering rescue teams a powerful new option in hazardous terrain.
A particularly ambitious application of the technology is addressing the threat of natural dams, which form when landslides block rivers and cause flooding. Traditionally, workers have had to perform dangerous manual excavation, but the CAFE system integrates an AI-driven excavation platform developed at Nara Institute of Science and Technology. Using Sim-to-Real reinforcement learning, the AI first trains in digital simulations before being deployed in real-world disaster zones. This allows the system to decide in real time how to dig, how much pressure to apply, and how to safely remove obstacles without worsening conditions.
In August 2025, the team successfully showcased the robotic hand at Technology Readiness Level 4, proving its capability in a controlled environment. The next phase, expected by November 2025, will test the system under more realistic disaster conditions, marking a step toward deployment in active recovery operations.
The project represents a convergence of global expertise: Kumagai Gumi contributes knowledge of construction and heavy machinery, ETH Zurich brings innovations in soft robotics, while Tsukuba University and Nara Institute of Science and Technology drive the AI integration that makes the system autonomous rather than just a remote-controlled tool.
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