Tiny robotic fingers let humans interact with insects

Human fingers are clearly too big to safely play with bugs, but technology might offer a far gentler option. Scientists at Ritsumeikan University have developed soft robotic "microfingers" that let people interact with insects. The tiny digits (just 0.47in long and 0.12in wide) combine flexible liquid metal strain sensors with pneumatic balloon "muscles" to offer just enough force for touching a bug without hurting it. The human operator controls the miniscule hand with a robotic glove.