Italian scientists build octopus-inspired robotic arm that detects touch, force, and direction

Italian scientists created an octopus-inspired robotic arm that detects touch, force, and direction using soft materials and suction cups. The flexible arm mimics octopus dexterity, allowing it to navigate confined spaces and gently grasp objects. Its artificial suction cups contain sensors that analyze light changes upon contact to determine force and direction. This technology, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, could be used for underwater exploration, environmental monitoring, and delicate industrial tasks, drawing inspiration from biological designs for advanced robotics.