hand

Elon Musk claims the next Optimus hand will have 50 actuators, a massive leap in complexity from the 17-actuator V2.5 prototype analyzed by experts. The new goal: “superhuman” precision for surgical tasks.

The high-dexterity RUKA hand, previously an open-source DIY project from NYU, is now available as a commercial kit starting at $549. The collaboration aims to make advanced robotics hardware more accessible, but features one key component swap to hit its low price point.

The Zurich-based ETH spin-off is betting on a pragmatic, rapidly deployable approach, arguing that full-body humanoids are not the answer for most industrial tasks. The focus is on a powerful AI foundation model trained by human operators.

Following a notable debut at industry events, Sharpa Robotics has announced that its high-fidelity SharpaWave hand, featuring a proprietary Dynamic Tactile Array, is now in mass production and shipping to customers.

In a new video, Boston Dynamics engineers explain the design philosophy behind the electric Atlas's three-fingered grippers, emphasizing a pragmatic balance of dexterity, reliability, and simplified complexity for real-world manipulation.