The ‘Hands Problem’ Holding Back the Humanoid Revolution

Researchers face huge challenges in creating robotic hands equal to the real thing, but they’re getting closer. One big question: How many fingers?

Developing robotic hands that mimic human dexterity is a major challenge for humanoid robots, crucial for a potential $5 trillion market by 2050.
Researchers are exploring various designs, including four-fingered and three-fingered hands, to balance strength, dexterity and ruggedness for industrial tasks.
The drive to create humanlike robotic hands is fueled by worker shortages in manufacturing and caregiving, aiming to create new job opportunities.