This is a three-year renewal of a U.S.-Yugoslav cooperative research project in robotics between Rajko Tomovic of the Institute of Industrial Engineering in Novi Sad and George A. Bekey of the University of Southern California's Robotics Institute. Its objective is to develop a new approach to the design and control of multifingered robot hands using biological principles. The previous grant resulted in the development of a robotic hand. In the next phase the investigators propose to develop a new, improved model emphasizing better sensor development, the integration of vision and tactile control, and development of theoretical models for grasping and control. This international collaboration which joins two unique and complementary research groups has proved highly successful over the last three years and has resulted in a significant list of joint publications and two conferences. This project was approved by the U.S.-Yugoslav Joint Board on Cooperation in Science and Technology and is supported through a joint fund consisting of matching contributions from the U.S. and Yugoslav governments. The U.S. contribution is provided annually by the Department of State. No NSF funds are involved. The grants are composed principally of Yugoslav dinars and made to the principal Yugoslav institute. Grants include travel for U.S. scientists to Yugoslavia and a modest dollar allowance for Yugoslav scientists' living expenses in the U.S.
