The most advanced robotic hands

Replicating one of the most complex parts of our body

For robots to truly become part of our lives, their hands cannot be overlooked; they must be advanced enough to pick up a coin from a table, zip up a jacket, hold a glass, or wash dishes without breaking a single glass.

The US-based company 1X Technologies has unveiled a new generation of robotic hands for its "Neo" robot, bringing machines closer to a skill that was once exclusively human: dexterity. Each hand features up to 25 degrees of freedom, enabling extremely precise movements of the fingers, palm, and wrist. Instead of housing heavy motors inside the hand itself, engineers positioned them in the forearm.

Finger movement is driven by cables that function much like human tendons; this solution significantly reduces mass in the extremities, resulting in faster, smoother, and more efficient movements. However, since uncontrolled force can be problematic, the hand was also designed to be flexible.

Its mechanical system allows the fingers to yield naturally when encountering resistance, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. According to the company, the structure withstands impacts and can be caught in doors or drawers without sustaining serious damage; it also holds IP68 certification, making it water-resistant and suitable for household tasks, including those involving food.

Another distinguishing feature lies in tactile perception.

Sensors distributed across the hand continuously measure the pressure exerted on each object, allowing the robot to automatically adjust the force applied. Rather than simply holding an item, it can detect when an object is slipping or when it needs to reduce pressure to prevent damage. This information feeds into 1X’s artificial intelligence system, making each interaction more precise as the robots learn from experience.