#568: Handholds

Many people who have to operate hand-held machines for protracted periods develop joint and nervous disorders (eg ‘white finger’). Now that robotic hands have reached a level of extreme strength and sensitivity, it’s possible to reduce this problem.

Each item of equipment (road drills, steering wheels, whatever) would have a pair of robot hands attached -using rigid mechanical clamps in the ‘wrist’ sections.

The robotic hands would then be free to grip the wrists or forearms of the tool user (as their own hands direct the tool in the usual way). This would greatly reduce the stresses experienced. The robotic hands would be sensitive enough to provide optimal support but without ever gripping the user too tightly. They would also be able to detect when the human was tiring and require them to take a safety-related tea break.