Humanoid robotics is failing not because of AI – but because of the hand.

The discussion revolves around AI and sensors – but the bottleneck lies in the hand. Only if drives are small, precise, and durable can a robot grip reliably. This is precisely where it will be decided whether humanoid systems become practical.

A human hand has 27 joints. A humanoid robot hand that is intended to be similarly agile needs its own small motor in each important joint. At least twelve per hand. We build precisely these drives – and they illustrate where the real challenge of humanoid robotics lies. Each of these motors must simultaneously accomplish three things: be very small and energy-efficient, precise enough for fluid movements, and durable enough for high cycle counts. Each of these requirements is achievable on its own. The real challenge lies in meeting all three together, within the footprint of a fingertip. And this is the reason why the development of humanoid hands takes longer than many realize. Public discourse almost always focuses on sensors and AI. Both are important. But without sophisticated drive technology in the hand, even the most intelligent gripper won't be able to reliably grasp a screw, guide a workpiece securely, or assemble a delicate component. At all about automation in Hamburg, we will be showcasing motors designed for such applications. Anyone working on drives for humanoid or fine motor systems is welcome at our stand: 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝟔, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟓𝟑𝟗.