1X unveils 25-DOF robotic hand for NEO home robot

A Norwegian robotics company has introduced a new, highly dexterous robotic hand for its humanoid home robot, aiming to solve one of the field's most persistent challenges: reliable manipulation of everyday objects. 1X Technologies unveiled the 25-degree-of-freedom, tendon-driven hands for its NEO robot on July 10, 2026, describing the hardware as a breakthrough in precision, safety, and durability.

The new hands feature 22 actuated joints across the fingers and palm, with three additional joints in the wrist. A key design feature is that all joints are force-controlled and backdrivable, meaning the fingers can yield to external pressure rather than forcing through contact. This is intended to make interactions safer and more adaptable. High-resolution tactile sensors embedded in the fingers and palm allow the robot to detect pressure, contact location, and shear forces, enabling it to sense when an object is slipping and adjust its grip in real time.

In demonstrations, the hands have performed a variety of tasks including assembling LEGO models, handling screws and coins, using tools like screwdrivers, connecting USB-C cables, zipping clothing, and catching soft balls. The...