Robotics company 1X has introduced advanced hands for its NEO robot, featuring 25 degrees of freedom to handle delicate objects and lift up to 20 kilograms. This technology marks a critical step in overcoming the dexterity gap in humanoid robotics, moving beyond traditional industrial power toward versatile household utility.
Norwegian robotics firm 1X has officially unveiled a new set of highly dexterous hands designed for its NEO humanoid robot. The hands are engineered to replicate human-like movement, boasting 25 degrees of freedom. This complex system includes 22 powered joints within the fingers and palm, along with three dedicated wrist joints, allowing the robot to perform delicate actions such as manipulating small screws, fastening zippers, and handling fragile household items like glassware.
Engineering for Precision and Tactile Control
The design of these hands relies on a tendon-driven system inspired by human anatomy. By placing the motors away from the fingers, the engineers have created a structure that is lighter and more agile than traditional designs. A notable feature of this system is its integrated tactile feedback, which allows the robot to sense contact forces. This capability is essential for ensuring a secure grip, preventing the robot from crushing objects or dropping them. Despite this fine motor control, the hardware remains robust enough to lift weights of up to 20 kilograms.
Advancing Humanoid Robot Development
The development of dexterous hands is widely regarded by industry engineers as one of the most difficult hurdles in the field of humanoid robotics. While many existing industrial robots can handle heavy loads, they often lack the fine motor skills required for everyday, unpredictable environments. 1X is competing in an increasingly crowded global market, with major entities such as Tesla, Figure AI, Apptronik, and Sanctuary AI also developing humanoid platforms for factory and eventually household roles. The core challenge for all these firms remains bridging the gap between high-strength mechanics and the complex dexterity needed for household tasks.
Future Path and AI Integration
While the hardware provides the necessary physical foundation, the long-term utility of the NEO robot will depend on its software. 1X plans to focus on enhancing the artificial intelligence that controls these hands, aiming to enable the robot to perform new skills through software updates rather than physical hardware changes. As these companies continue to refine their technology, the main monitorables for investors and industry observers will be the pace of real-world deployment, the durability of these complex robotic systems in unstructured environments, and the ability of the companies to scale production while keeping manufacturing costs sustainable. Future progress will likely be measured by the robot's ability to operate safely alongside humans and perform repetitive tasks with increasing autonomy.