Tofu Handler Robot Delicately Manages Fragile Items (Video)

Vegans and vegetarians alike can thank this tiny robot for lightly picking up pieces of tofu gracefully under pressure.

As this piece of food can easily break when mass produced, researchers note that finding a machine to handle a delicate item like this without, well, destroying it, is one of the firsts noted in a robot.

And, to do this takes accurate precision and detail on the robot's part, according to researchers. Let's take a look.

"First, the robot checks which way the tofu is facing, and how big it is, using a camera. The images are analyzed by a computer, and the robot works out which way to orient the tofu. Once it picks the tofu up, it then puts it in a package. A feature of this robot is the hand, which can gently carry very soft, fragile things without damaging them. This hand uses a special surface processing, which was developed by our company," notes Land Work, the manufacturer of the tofu-making machinery that developed the robot. 

Researchers note that tofu must be carried rather slowly, shifting only 1,200 to 1,500 pieces per hour, or it will break. However, tried tofu can be carried faster without breaking, with as much as 2,500 pieces per hour, according to the company. 

As they've only just begun to develop the workings of this system, the company said they hope to later add such foods as seafood, eggs and meat to the robot's regimen.

What else might this robot's future have in store?

Want to see the robot in action? Check out this video, courtesy of the company.