19 January 2021, 6:00 am EST By By adding sensing mechanisms into 3D printable fingers, scientists have advanced robotic gripper by making them more "human-like." Making more human-like robotic grippers are made possible by adding sensory capabilities to the "fingers," providing feedback to the gripper and allowing it to adjust appropriately. However, conventional sensors tend to compromise the mechanical properties of these soft robots. Researchers' latest effort at Ritsumeikan University in Japan resulted in the design and fabrication of a 3D printable soft robotic finger fitted with a built-in sensor of adjustable stiffness. Details of their study are reported in the journal Nano Energy, included in its January 2021 issue.