Technology and nature are often viewed as separate domains, yet their integration has the potential to foster deeper connections between generations.In this study, we explore how asynchronous video storytelling using the Marco Polo app can help connect older and younger adults while enhancing engagement with nature.Over a two-week period, participants recorded and exchanged short outdoor video reflections, creating discussions on personal experiences and memories tied to natural settings.Through analysis of participant diaries, interviews, and video interactions, we found that storytelling served as a useful icebreaker, with nature acting as a catalyst for meaningful intergenerational communication.Our findings highlight the role of place, time, and community in shaping these experiences, revealing both the benefits and limitations of asynchronous communication in fostering emotional connections.These insights inform the design of future digital tools to integrate storytelling, nature, and intergenerational engagement, ultimately strengthening social bonds through technology.

Grip determination is essential to any task-level planning process. The complete force/moment equations are presented for grasping employing a rigid two-fingered gripper with a thin elastic layer on the contacting surface. The surface contact is modeled as a linear pressure variation. The quality measure of a grip is taken to be the coefficient of friction needed to keep the held object from slipping between the fingers under applied forces and moments. The lower the coefficient of friction, the better the grip. Incorporation of this evaluation into general grip selection strategy is discussed, and several examples are given.

Grip determination is essential to any task level planning process and to situations in which the pose of the part to be grasped is not known a priori. This paper presents the complete force/moment equations for grasping via a rigid two-fingered gripper. Surface contact is modeled as a linear pressure variation. The quality measure of a grip is taken to be the coefficient of friction needed to keep it from slipping under applied forces and moments, the lower the coefficient of friction, the better the grip. The incorporation of this evaluation into a general grip selection strategy is discussed and several examples given.