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Sustainability Times

“We Built This for Pennies”: Insanely Cheap Duct Tape Robot Gripper Shocks Scientists by Screwing In Lightbulbs with Ease

In a groundbreaking development, students at UC San Diego have engineered a low-cost robot gripper from everyday materials like measuring tape and duct tape, capable of performing intricate tasks such as screwing in light bulbs and picking fruit, challenging conventional notions of high-tech innovation.


Eirwen WilliamsBy Eirwen WilliamsApril 24, 2025 at 9:13 AM74 Mins Read
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“Robots Rise to the Challenge”: Revolutionary Duct Tape Gripper Powers Up to Fearlessly Screw in Lightbulbs, Astonishing the World
The GRIP-tape robot gripper in action, demonstrating its ability to delicately handle a light bulb with precision and ease.
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IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🤖 GRIP-tape is a low-cost robot gripper developed by UC San Diego students using measuring tape and duct tape.
  • 🌿 The gripper performs tasks like picking fruit and screwing in light bulbs, showcasing both simplicity and sophistication.
  • 🔧 Made from naturally springy measuring tape, it combines strength and flexibility for gentle handling of objects.
  • 🚀 Future enhancements aim for autonomous operation with AI and sensors, expanding its potential applications.

In an era where technological marvels often come with hefty price tags, a group of innovative students from UC San Diego has proven that cutting-edge solutions can emerge from unexpected sources. By using humble materials such as measuring tape and duct tape, they’ve developed a revolutionary robot gripper named “GRIP-tape.” This surprisingly adept device can perform intricate tasks like picking fruit and screwing in light bulbs, showcasing a blend of simplicity and sophistication that is both intriguing and promising for future applications.

Unveiling the Measuring Tape Gripper

The GRIP-tape gripper is a testament to the power of non-traditional engineering. Constructed with loops of doubled-up measuring tape and secured with duct tape, the gripper’s design is deceptively simple. Yet, it is equipped with motors that adeptly extend and retract the tape, allowing the gripper to perform precise tasks. For instance, with a pivoting motion, it can screw in a light bulb or open a jar. Videos demonstrate its agility in picking fruit from trees, like lemons, without causing damage. This functionality highlights the gripper’s potential in agricultural settings, where gentle handling is crucial. The current version requires remote control, but future iterations aim for autonomous operation with AI integration.

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Technological and Material Innovation

The choice of measuring tape as the primary material is both surprising and ingenious. Known for its natural springiness and ability to retain shape, the steel tape provides a unique blend of strength and flexibility. This duality allows the gripper to handle objects delicately, akin to the silicone used in soft robotics, while also ensuring resilience and durability. The research team, led by Nick Gravish, has a history of exploring such innovative materials. Their work, funded by the National Science Foundation, underscores the potential of using everyday materials in advanced robotics applications, setting the stage for cost-effective and accessible technology solutions.

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Applications and Future Prospects

As the gripper continues to evolve, its applications could become vast and varied. Its potential in agriculture is evident, offering a way to harvest delicate crops without damage. Beyond agriculture, its low-cost nature makes it an attractive option for industries in economically disadvantaged areas. The safety features inherent in its design further enhance its appeal, potentially transforming sectors that require gentle yet firm handling of objects. As GRIP-tape develops, integrating more advanced features like sensors could broaden its utility, paving the way for innovative uses in diverse fields.

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Challenges and Next Steps

While the gripper’s capabilities are impressive, further work is needed to enhance its autonomy and functionality. The team plans to incorporate sensors and AI to improve its independent operation, reducing the need for manual control. Additionally, refining the design for scalability and mass production is crucial for widespread adoption. The research, documented in the journal arXiv, continues to inspire interest from various industries. As development progresses, addressing these challenges will be key to unlocking the gripper’s full potential, offering a glimpse into a future where low-cost robotics revolutionize multiple sectors.

The GRIP-tape gripper’s journey from concept to reality highlights the ingenuity of using simple materials to solve complex problems. Its potential applications across industries like agriculture and manufacturing are vast, promising a future where robotics are both accessible and affordable. As we look to the future of technology, how might other everyday materials be reimagined to create innovative solutions for global challenges?

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Eirwen Williams
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Eirwen Williams is a New York-based journalist at Sustainability Times, covering science, climate policy, sustainable innovation, and environmental justice. A graduate of NYU’s Journalism Institute, he explores how cities adapt to a warming world. With a focus on people-powered change, his stories spotlight the intersection of activism, policy, and green technology. Contact : [email protected]

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View 7 Comments
7 Comments
  1. yusufmemory on April 24, 2025 9:15 AM

    Incredible! Who knew measuring tape could be so versatile? 🤯

    Reply
    • P on April 24, 2025 3:50 PM

      This article was obviously written by ChatGPT, and the featured image of the gripper is most likely AI generated too. It bears no resemblance to the actual gripper these students built.

      The real story can be found on UC San Diego’s own website, with actual photos and video of the device in action… 😒

      Reply
  2. Emilian_sapphire on April 24, 2025 10:05 AM

    How long did it take the students to develop this gripper?

    Reply
  3. hassanfortune on April 24, 2025 10:55 AM

    I’m curious about the durability. How long does the duct tape last before needing replacement?

    Reply
  4. Coralie_flame8 on April 24, 2025 11:46 AM

    👏 Kudos to the team for such an innovative approach!

    Reply
  5. florencestorm9 on April 24, 2025 12:37 PM

    Not sure if I trust duct tape to hold it all together. Skeptical until I see it in action.

    Reply
  6. john-lewis on April 24, 2025 1:28 PM

    Can it handle heavier objects, like a glass of water?

    Reply
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Illustration of the NIKE laser facility being used to simulate extreme conditions for nuclear weapons (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
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