Texas A&M University has joined a new National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) focused on advancing robotic dexterity, aiming to make robotic assistance more accessible and practical across various industries. The center, named Human Augmentation via Dexterity (HAND), is led by Northwestern University and is supported by a five-year, $26 million NSF grant, with the potential for renewal for an additional $26 million over another five years.
The HAND center brings together expertise from Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon University, Florida A&M University, and additional faculty from Syracuse University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The initiative seeks to develop an engineered system of dexterous robotic hands that can perform a wide range of tasks, from manufacturing and caregiving to handling delicate or hazardous materials. This effort involves creating robots that are not only adaptable but also easy to use, with the aim of addressing labor shortages and enhancing productivity in small and medium enterprises that have yet to benefit from automation technology.
Texas A&M’s contributions will be led by Dr. Cynthia Hipwell, who serves as a deputy director for the HAND center. The research will focus on three main areas: the design and actuation of robotic hands, intelligent dexterity including simulation and control, and human interface technologies that simplify robot programming and operation. The center will also emphasize workforce development, creating training programs for future leaders and workers in the field, as well as outreach initiatives targeting K-12 and community colleges.
Photo: Dr. Cynthia Hipwell/Texas A&M University
