that’s correct — the magic here really does boil down to a pair of fancy motorized tape measures. The patent even mentions “a metal carpenter’s tape measure” as inspiration. According to ...

The EEWOC's EEMMMa limb has a maximum reach of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) This device incorporates a motorized spool of metal measuring tape located inside the robot's body. The tape itself extends straight ...

Two motorized reels – one at either end of that ribbon – roll it in and spool it out as needed. A New Robotic Gripper Based on Measuring Tape is Sizing Up Fruit and Veggie Picking By varying ...