"Why Does Atlas Have Only Four Fingers?"...Effortlessly Drilling Wood and Tightening Nuts

Atlas Unveils New Robotic Hand
"More Complete with Four Fingers"
Human-Sized Design Suitable for Industrial Use

Atlas, the humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, a robotics subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has acquired a new set of fingers.

On October 1 (local time), Boston Dynamics unveiled its next-generation robot hand based on four fingers for the first time and showcased a video of Atlas equipped with this hand performing various manipulation tasks.

On the 1st (local time), Boston Dynamics unveiled its next-generation robotic hand based on four fingers for the first time and presented a video showing Atlas performing various manipulation tasks equipped with this hand. Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics on the 1st (local time) unveiled its next-generation robot hand based on four fingers for the first time and showcased a video of Atlas equipped with it performing various manipulation tasks. Boston Dynamics

The robot hand is expected to become a core technology that enhances Atlas’ precision in object manipulation and tool usage required on industrial sites.

In the released video, Atlas demonstrates handling tools and small parts using the robot hand, showcasing precise assembly and the ability to reposition objects within its grasp.

Atlas picked up a drill bit, inserted it into a drill, then operated the drill to bore a hole in wood, all while maintaining a stable grip on the tool’s handle and pressing the button, demonstrating precise control of finger strength and movement.

It also successfully performed actions such as rotating and tightening a nut using its fingers. By grasping a small nut with its fingertips, Atlas precisely controlled both rotation direction and applied force, proving its fine grasp adjustment and ability to reposition objects within the hand.

Boston Dynamics explained that the most notable feature of the next-generation hand is that it offers a total of 13 degrees of freedom across its four fingers, including the thumb, thereby greatly enhancing its dexterous manipulation capabilities compared to previous hands.

The thumb is constructed with four degrees of freedom, enabling intricate pinching with the other fingers, while the remaining fingers each have three degrees of freedom, allowing the hand to spread open or finely control the fingertips. Like a human hand, it can grip objects and change their position and orientation within the palm.

Boston Dynamics on the 1st (local time) unveiled for the first time the next-generation "robot hand" based on four fingers and showcased a video of Atlas equipped with it performing various manipulation tasks. Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics specifically maintained a size similar to the human hand to ensure compatibility with existing workspaces and tools used by people, while also achieving the strength necessary for industrial tasks. The structure was simplified, and major parts were modularized to enhance durability and ease of maintenance, with consideration for large-scale mass production in the future.

The next-generation hand also features tactile sensing technology that can detect even subtle contact with objects. Pressure-based tactile sensors are densely installed on the fingertips and palm to sense slight changes in force during contact with objects.

From the early stages of developing the next-generation hand, Boston Dynamics adopted the 'Sim-to-Real' approach—training robots in virtual environments and then applying the results to real robots. By meticulously simulating physical characteristics such as actuation and friction of the actual hardware, they aimed to reduce the gap between manipulation policies learned in simulation and real-world robot behavior.

Boston Dynamics stated that the reason for adopting a four-finger structure instead of five was its optimization for industrial robot applications, including reduced design complexity, lower power consumption, cost efficiency, improved durability, and ease of repair identified through comparative analysis.

Alberto Rodriguez, who leads manipulation technology development for Atlas at Boston Dynamics, said, "We reviewed various designs, from the number of thumbs to the necessity of a pinky finger. Through experiments, simulations, and 3D-printed mockups, we explored optimal design approaches, and after having the entire development team work all day with their pinky finger secured, we concluded, 'We can do without one finger.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.