Dexterous hands are an end-effector in robotics, like human hands, responsible for performing various actions, gripping, and manipulation tasks. In recent years, with the gradual advancement of the humanoid robotics industry, dexterous hands have become a focal point of market attention as one of the key components in this field. Although the overall development of humanoid robots is still in the exploratory stage, several companies have already launched relatively mature commercial products in the field of humanoid robotic hands.
Shadow Robot
Founded in 1997, Shadow Robot is a pioneer in bionic hands. The company has developed a series of highly realistic robotic hands, including their “Dexterous Hand,” which can perform tasks and grasp objects much like a human hand, and is capable of intelligent sensory perception.
Festo
As a giant in the automation field, Festo has also conducted extensive research in bionic robotics. Their bionic hands exhibit exceptional flexibility. Festo’s pneumatic robotic hands are made entirely from flexible silicone and other materials, using gas-driven mechanisms, which endows them with high compliance and safety.
Clone Robotics
Clone Robotics is a humanoid robot startup specializing in highly realistic robotic hands. Their product, the Clone Hand, utilizes advanced musculoskeletal technology to closely mimic the structure and functionality of the human arm.
QB Robotics
Founded in 2011, QB Robotics has developed the qb SoftHand, a humanoid robotic hand based on soft robotics technology. The qb SoftHand conforms to international standards such as ISO 12100 and ISO 13849-1/-2. It features 19 degrees of freedom and is designed to mimic the structure of the human hand, offering high flexibility and adaptability.
SCHUNK
In 2014, SCHUNK released the SVH five-finger servo electric gripper, available in both left and right versions, and it is now in mass production. The SVH five-finger hand is a highly realistic robotic hand equipped with 9 actuators, capable of performing a variety of grasping actions with high sensitivity.
Mimic Robotics
Mimic Robotics focuses on developing bionic robotic hands capable of understanding and replicating any behavior simply by observing humans.
Ottobock
Founded in 1919, Ottobock specializes in microprocessor-controlled knee joints, such as the C-Leg (which can be controlled via an app), computer-controlled C-Brace orthoses, multi-jointed bionic hands, high-power wheelchairs, and exoskeletons for ergonomic workplaces.
Vincent Systems
Vincent Systems introduced the Vincent Hand in 2010. By incorporating motors with a diameter of just 10mm into the fingers, the Vincent Hand achieves independent actuation of each finger. Each of the four fingers is equipped with its actuator, which drives the distal joints through a four-bar linkage mechanism. The thumb’s metacarpophalangeal joint is powered by two separate motors.
AgileRobots
Founded in 2018, AgileRobots derives its technology from the Robotics and Mechatronics Center (DLR/RMC) in Germany. The Dexterity Hand, completed in its first generation in 2020, is designed for applications in service, rehabilitation, hazardous environments, and space exploration.
Inspire-Robots
Founded in 2016, Inspire-Robots is a domestic supplier of core robotic components and end-effectors. Their humanoid five-finger dexterous hand features an innovative linear drive design, with 6 degrees of freedom and 12 movement joints. Combined with a force-position hybrid control algorithm, it can accurately replicate human hand movements for precise grasping operations.
Neurocean Technologies
Shenzhen Neurocean Technologies Inc. is a research-focused company founded by experts in artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and robotics from Stanford University, Harvard University, and Harbin Engineering University. The company’s latest development, the 25-degree-of-freedom industrial-grade dexterous hand, integrates a unique brain-like intelligence technology system.
BrainCo
Founded in 2015 in Boston, USA, BrainCo also has branches in Hangzhou and Shenzhen, China. It is the first Chinese innovation team incubated by Harvard University’s Innovation Lab. Initially focused on the development and application of non-invasive brain-machine interface technology, BrainCo has recently begun working on the development of dexterous hands designed for humanoid robots and robotic arms.
Dorabot
Founded in 2014, Shenzhen Dorabot Inc. has developed the DoraHand, a modular multi-finger dexterous hand. This hand features a modular design for both fingers and palm, with each finger equipped with independent drive and sensing units, allowing for standalone operation and hot-swapping capabilities.
CASIA Robotics
CASIA Robotics focuses on robotic dexterity and has developed the Casia Hand series, which includes the Casia Hand-H humanoid dexterous hand, the Casia Hand-L universal dexterous hand, and the Casia Hand-S high-speed adaptive dexterous hand. Their product lineup also features the “Worry-Free” service robots, “Fearless” special robots, and “Infinite” industrial robots for various applications.
OYMotion
Shanghai Proud Information Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in advanced bioelectrical sensors, neural signal AI recognition technology, and human-machine neural interface technology. Their products focus on robotic dexterous hands, smart EEG machines, intelligent bionic prosthetics, smart neural rehabilitation systems, and wearable exoskeletons.
LinkerBot
The Linker Hand product from LinkerBot boasts up to 42 degrees of freedom, making it the most flexible commercial dexterous hand globally. Each finger can have up to 9 independent degrees of freedom, and the product series features 360-degree free rotation, a first in global dexterous hand products. In addition to its high degree of freedom, LinkerBot’s products are equipped with advanced multi-sensor systems, including high-precision cameras and electronic skin, providing a comprehensive visual and tactile sensing mode.
DEXROBOT
Their industrial-grade five-finger dexterous hand, the DexHand 021, features 18 degrees of freedom, five types of multi-modal sensing capabilities, and a highly integrated intelligent system. Its easy maintenance, strong compatibility, and low power consumption make it suitable for a wide range of applications in industrial automation, medical assistance, and scientific research.
Tencent Robotics X
Founded in 2018, Tencent Robotics X Laboratory focuses on foundational robotics technologies, including perception capabilities like vision and touch, as well as the three pillars of agile motion, dexterous manipulation, and intelligent agents. On April 25, 2023, the laboratory introduced the TRHand, a self-developed robotic dexterous hand.
Ti5 Robot
Ti5 Robot has introduced a new intelligent bionic hand called the “Cool Hand,” which integrates bionics, mechatronics, materials science, biomedical engineering, and information technology. It features six actuation units within the hand, allowing each finger to move independently, with the thumb capable of movement in two directions.
PaXini Technology
The PaXini DexH5 GEN1 multi-dimensional touch dexterous hand combines bionic technology with tactile sensing capabilities, designed specifically for complex grasping and manipulation tasks. It not only accurately mimics various human hand movements but also uses tactile sensors to perceive objects, enabling dexterous force control.
