Robotic Hands Achieve Human-Level Dexterity

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Robotic Hands Achieve Human-Level Dexterity

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1X Technologies, a Norwegian robotics company, recently showcased its new “NEO Hands,” a robotic hand system developed for its NEO humanoid robot. The demonstration, which took place in July 2026, highlighted the hands’ advanced dexterity, speed, and precision, aiming to enable robots to manipulate objects in environments designed for humans.

The NEO Hands boast 25 degrees of freedom, including 22 fully actuated joints in the fingers and palm, and three at the wrist. This intricate design allows for near human-level dexterity and strength, addressing a long-standing challenge in humanoid robotics: the ability to perform complex, delicate tasks that human hands manage effortlessly. Unlike traditional industrial grippers, these hands are engineered for general-purpose manipulation, capable of handling thousands of everyday interactions that require adaptability and precision.

Key features of the NEO Hands include a tendon-driven transmission architecture, which mimics human tendons to provide smoother and more coordinated finger motion, reduced weight, and improved energy efficiency. The hands also incorporate high-resolution tactile sensing that measures pressure, contact location, and shear forces across the fingertips, allowing the robot to detect slippage and make real-time adjustments. Furthermore, the hands are IP68 rated for water resistance and constructed with food-safe materials, making them suitable for tasks like preparing food and washing dishes.

1X founder Bernt Børnich emphasized that the goal was to create hands that are truly useful, capable of performing virtually any task a human can do. The company claims the NEO hands can assemble LEGO models, pick up tiny screws and coins, install light bulbs, use screwdrivers, zip jackets, sort grapes, pour tea, and even communicate using sign language. These advancements are crucial for the deployment of humanoid robots in homes, workplaces, and care environments, where they could assist with a wide range of tasks. The first NEO robot models equipped with these hands are expected to ship to households later in 2026.

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