A research duo at the University of Bristol’s Department of Computer Science is serious about upgrading the hand tool as we know it, with the aid of digital design and 3D printing. While robotics are often used as external and wearable aids, the researchers want to bridge that gap by providing robotic devices for the ‘tool space’ that aid users and both teach and correct them while involved in tasks. Their paper, 'The Design and Evaluation of a Cooperative Handheld Robot,' delves into some of their findings. For more details, check out the full article: http://3dprint.com/68716/handheld-3d-printed-robots/
Below is a look at tiling behavior. Left to right: Tool picks a tile when the tip is in the vicinity; tile is removed by user motion; tool starts to point towards a valid drop zone; tool refuses to drop tile on incorrect location; tool drops tile; when all tiles of one colour are used, tool points to the other hopper: