Scientists create robot with ‘human hands’ that knows massage techniques - Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am

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Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Shanghai for Science have successfully developed a new robot that uses traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques to give massages, the researchers reported in their paper published in the journal arXiv, reports Interesting Engineering.

This new robot could eventually find a place in healthcare, wellness, and rehabilitation facilities as an additional patient therapeutic tool.

The as-yet-unnamed robot uses jaka zhu7 robotic arms, each with a multi-functional massage hand installed at their ends. These "hands" have been meticulously designed to mimic the approximate size and shape of a human hand.

According to the team, the robot's hands have four operation modes, each emulating different TCM massage techniques, such as the concept of zang-fu organs and meridians. To this end, the hands can perform palm punch, vibration, kneading, and finger technique function modules.

Each function requires different hardware tools to perform tasks like turning the hand into a fist or providing directed vibration to an area. Others, like the kneading function, employ a specially designed "kneading motor" that allows the robot to "pinch" the user's back.