Researchers from the Florida Atlantic University have developed a new type of soft bionic finger that can move like the ones on your hand. In order to come up with the most authentic-looking design, they downloaded a CAD model of the human digit and used a 3D printer to create squishy inner and outer molds. Inside, they placed two actuators made of shape memory alloys (SMA), which can “remember” and return to their original shapes even after they get bent or deformed, so long as they’re heated. The extensor actuator straightens up when heat is applied, while the flexor actuator curves
via Engadget
