The Norwegian robotics company 1X has achieved a true breakthrough in the creation of humanoid robots by introducing a revolutionary next-generation robotic hand for its flagship NEO android. This unique development boasts twenty-five degrees of freedom, which is only slightly inferior to the anatomical capabilities of the human hand, which has about twenty-seven. The fundamental difference between the innovative manipulator and traditional analogs is the rejection of classic reducers in favor of an advanced quasi-direct transmission based on a proprietary tendon-driven system. This approach provides the effect of force transparency, where any physical impact on a finger is instantly read and transmitted back to the control system, allowing the robot to feel the exact touch force in real time and perfectly adapt to the shape of the object being held.

Engineering perfection of the design is achieved by moving powerful motors to the forearm area, which made the hand itself extremely lightweight and agile, while maintaining impressive force output and positioning accuracy up to two-tenths of a millimeter. The surface of the fingers and palm is covered with highly sensitive tactile skin that recognizes not only pressure but also micro-slips, allowing the robot to instantly catch slipping objects. The demonstrated capabilities of NEO are astonishing: the android confidently assembles construction sets, screws in light bulbs, zips up jackets, sorts berries, and even plugs in USB-C cables, demonstrating a level of dexterity that was previously absolutely unattainable for mechanical manipulators.

The device possesses an extremely high degree of reliability, confirmed by millions of stress test cycles, and features IP68 protection, allowing the robot to even wash its hands under running water. Company 1X has already established mass production of these complex components, planning to produce up to ten thousand hands annually while fully controlling the creation of all parts in-house. The NEO humanoid itself is already available for early purchase for twenty thousand dollars or via a subscription format, however, it is worth noting that full autonomy remains an unattainable goal for now: some of the most complex operations, including sign language communication, still require the intervention of a remote operator controlling the robot in a special mode.