Technologies

This New Skittering Robotic Hand Could Reach Things You Can’t

The proposed robotic hand is designed for dexterity and has versatile functions for grasping, crawling and locomotion.

The latest robot creation is rooted in human anatomy. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne have developed a robotic hand with a broader range of motion than anything made of flesh and blood: It can detach from an arm and skitter around, bend its fingers backward and even pick up and maneuver multiple objects at a time.

The detachable robotic hand, described in an article published Tuesday in Nature Communications, was developed in two phases. The first version of the robot had five fingers and exhibited dexterity and agility comparable to the human hand while still navigating confined spaces.

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The second version of the robot utilized a sixth finger to further manipulate grasped objects. The six-fingered robot was able to pinch and lift a small ball and use its fingers to simultaneously hold objects against both sides of its palm. When attached to an arm, the hand can pick up larger objects the same way a human would.

The most impressive display of dexterity came from a simple test with a mustard bottle. The robotic hand unscrewed the cap while holding the bottle in place, demonstrating a high level of fine motor control.

The research team commented on this extensive control in their article, explaining how the robot hand can surpass typical human constraints.

«While our robotic hand can perform common grasping modes like human hands, our design exceeds human capabilities by allowing any combination of fingers to form opposing finger pairs, enabling simultaneous multi-object grasping with fewer fingers and non-anthropomorphic grasping,» the team noted in the article.

A representative for the research project did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Researchers hope that the hand may one day aid in tight disaster relief situations or support warehouse and factory workers.

«The ability to crawl directly to a target object and grasp it also enables efficient handling in environments such as warehouses, where objects may be located within dense shelving,» the team wrote. «Or in service robotics, where the system can autonomously retrieve dropped items.»

In their article, the research team wrote that they hope their «non-traditional configuration could effectively serve in specialized environments requiring augmented manipulation abilities.» While the proposed robotic hand is not anthropomorphic, it doesn’t rule out its potential for prosthetic applications.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im