In the odyssey of humanoid robots transitioning from laboratory confines to practical applications, dexterous hands emerge as the pivotal "last centimeter" that delineates success from failure. The hand serves not merely as end effector for grasping but also as essential carrier for robots to transform from rigid execution to having intelligent interaction capabilities. Of particular note is the multi-modal sensor array seamlessly integrated into the fingertips is like constructing a "tactile neural network." This innovation empowers robots to perceive pressure distribution in real time and make dynamic adjustments—mirroring human instinct when delicately cradling an egg or precisely compensating for assembly tolerances.
This year, the industrialization process of this core technology is witnessing a landmark breakthrough: Tesla has unveiled that its Optimus humanoid robot, equipped with an advanced 22-degree-of-freedom dexterous hand has entered the trial production phase. The ambitious goal is set for mass production of several thousand units by 2025. Moreover, this sophisticated dexterous hand is intricately integrated with a bionic forearm, with key suppliers playing significant roles in its development. This milestone signifies not only successful technical validation but also represents a crucial juncture heralding large-scale application.
The technological sophistication and capacity for mass production of these dexterous hands serve as direct indicators of how far we can advance humanoid robots' physical interaction capabilities.
The optimal technical path is about to emerge
Currently, the development of dexterous hand is in the key stage of transition from “technological practicalization” to “scale implementation”.
The core driver behind the growth of the global dexterous hand market size stems from the mass production demand for humanoid robots. For instance, Tesla's Optimus features a remarkable 22-degree-of-freedom dexterous hand that has successfully executed complex tasks such as egg grasping and playing musical instruments. Notably, its cost constitutes approximately 17% of the overall machine expenditure, representing a significant bottleneck for the breakthrough of the performance of the whole machine.
The composite transmission solution of "tendon rope + miniature ball screw" has become the upgrade direction of the new generation of products because it can balance flexibility and precision. For instance, Optimus Gen3 significantly enhances the reliability of actions such as tightening screws and plugging and unplugging interfaces by optimizing the screw transmission path and reducing the finger control error to within 0.3°.
The tendon cord part may be more definitive
The upgrade of the Gen 3 Dexterous hand confirms this point: Tesla Optimus' innovativeness adopts a composite transmission structure of "planetary gearbox + miniature screw + tendon rope", which has elevated the once underestimated tendon rope from an auxiliary component to a core hub for precise control. This design shift significantly enhances the functional value of the tendon rope - it is not only the "artificial tendon" of the finger, but also the nerve bundle that coordinates the rigid gear and flexible screw in the transmission chain.
While the technological foundations are firmly established, real-world evaluations have only just commenced: Tesla’s ambitious strategy to manufacture tens of thousands of units by twenty twenty-five will serves as a litmus test for the anti-fatigue capabilities of the tendon rope under prolonged and high-frequency stretching (at the million-cycle level); furthermore, the expansion of lower limb applications in humanoid robotics (such as load-bearing joints) must surmount the challenges posed by creep risks under dynamic loads.
As the next-generation Optimus unveils its exterior, the "fiber nerves" intricately embedded within its bionic arms may unveil a paradigm shift in value that transcends prevailing market expectations.
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Post time: Jul-07-2025
