Amazon prototype uses pinch grasps to cut item damage

Amazon Science described a robot prototype that combines 3D scene understanding and pinch grasps to handle cluttered items. In preliminary tests, damage to books and boxes fell 10-fold.

• Prototype pairs 3D scene models with item identification and machine learning
• Two-point pinch grasp complements vacuum suction, which can tear packaging
• Early tests showed a 10-fold drop in damage to books and boxes
• Goal is handling millions of items, but the work remains research