1X has introduced innovative manipulators for its humanoid robot, NEO, which provide unprecedented precision and tactile sensitivity thanks to 25 degrees of freedom and a unique cable-driven actuation system.
What Happened
1X developers have created hands for the NEO robot featuring 25 degrees of freedom: 22 in the fingers and 3 in the wrist. Instead of traditional high-gear-ratio actuators, they use low-ratio cable mechanisms (from 5:1 to 15:1). This ensures high backdrivability, allowing the manipulator to effectively "feel" the resistance and texture of objects. Additionally, the devices meet the IP68 protection standard, making them waterproof.
Context
Traditional robotic systems often use rigid actuators that make it difficult to obtain precise feedback regarding physical interaction. Moving toward "force transparent" manipulators allows the hardware to transform from a simple executor into a high-precision tool for collecting data about the physical world.
Why It Matters for the Industry
For the industry, this transition removes a critical hardware barrier for training robots via Reinforcement Learning. System capabilities will now be defined by the quality of AI models and data rather than mechanical limitations, as high-precision sensors allow for the collection of rich tactile feedback. This shifts the R&D focus from purely engineering solutions toward the development of control algorithms and the creation of high-quality interaction datasets.
Why It Matters for Users
For end users, this signals the approaching era of domestic assistant robots capable of performing delicate and unstructured tasks. Thanks to high dexterity and water resistance, such robots will be able to engage in cooking, washing dishes, fastening zippers, and even performing minor household repairs without fear of damaging fragile objects or getting wet.
Sources
Author
Look at AI, Editorial Team