Developed by a team at the Seoul National University of Science and Technology, the Snatcher robot uses a tongue inspired by a measuring tape in order to quickly snatch things up. The rapid-fire mechanism can extend up to 30 inches and retract again in just 600 milliseconds. The tongue itself is actually made out of a repurposed measuring tape because it can easily extend and re-roll itself quickly. A hook fashioned to the end of the tongue allows it to pick things up.
The team behind the Snatcher envisions a number of uses for their invention, such as affixing it to the bottom of a drone to allow it to quickly grab things without getting too close. And since it is very compact and lightweight, it could also be useful for individuals who are mobility impaired, helping them to pick up things that are out of reach. The next step is to try to add a gripper to the end instead of a hook so that it can better grab things.
