A robot glove could eventually answer that age-old conundrum: Are seven fingers better than five?

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a wrist-mounted device that multiplies the human hand's abilities by using two extra robotic fingers.

The special glove uses sensors on the thumb, index and middle finger. It is driven by an algorithm that allows the robot fingers to move along with the wearer's real fingers. 

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The glove straps onto the wrist and the two extra large powered fingers can be placed on either hand. It can accomplish two-handed tasks at the same time. It also mimics the grasping motion of hand movements.

Harry Asada, a professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, said the device is completely intuitive and natural when the wearer moves the robotic fingers.

“You do not need to command the robot, but simply move your fingers naturally, Then the robotic fingers react and assist your fingers,” he added.

Through sequencing and superposition of only a few synergies, the robotic fingers can achieve a variation of complex motions performe on a daily basis.

Last week, Asada and his team presented their research findings at the Robotics: Science and Systems conference in Berkeley, California with the hope that their robotic fingers can reach people who need it most.

Professor Asada believes that two extra fingers can be a big help in assisting people with limited physical abilities. The glove can also be used by those who want to speed-up their work.

Tagswrist-mounted device, MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Robots, robotic fingers