A Lobster Claw-Inspired Multifunctional Tool for Underwater Grasping: Design and Simulation Insights

Underwater tools often face challenges in grasping objects effectively, as water resistance and buoyancy can undermine their precision and grip strength. In contrast, the American lobster (Homarus americanus) has claws that skillfully manage these obstacles, effortlessly holding onto a wide range of items in marine environments. Drawing on prior research into lobster-inspired designs, this study unveils a new tool that merges rigid and flexible components to boost underwater performance. The flexible part, crafted from silicone such as Dragon Skin 10, mirrors the serrated teeth of the lobsters claw for reliable gripping, while a gear system with multiple interlocking gears ensures accurate control over force and positioning. Developed in three phasesfirst copying the claws shape, then fine-tuning its size, and finally enhancing its function, the tool excelled in tests using objects from the Evolved Grasping Analysis Dataset (EGAD), surpassing standard designs with higher success rates and less effort. It shows great potential for deep-sea exploration and underwater repairs, though its real-world durability, particularly the gear mechanism, awaits confirmation through ocean trials.