Boston Dynamics unveils new four-finger hand for Atlas humanoid robot

roboticsandautomationnews.com Oct 2, 2026

Boston Dynamics unveils new four-finger hand for Atlas humanoid robot

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 2, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Boston Dynamics introduced a new four‑finger hand for its Atlas humanoid robot, featuring 13 degrees of freedom, including a four‑DOF opposable thumb. The design incorporates direct actuation and dense tactile pressure sensors across fingertips and palm. It enables Atlas to perform complex manipulation tasks—such as in‑hand reorientation, pinch and tripodal grasps, slip recovery, and operating tools like drills, grinders, nail guns, and welding torches—while maintaining strength comparable to its previous seven‑DOF hand. Boston Dynamics opted for four fingers to reduce cost, size, actuator count, and potential failure points, citing internal testing that a pinky added little functional benefit.

💡 Why It Matters

· The hand’s balance of dexterity and ruggedness positions Atlas for real‑world industrial tasks, moving humanoid robotics closer to practical deployment in human‑designed workspaces.

Capsules Robotics

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