Humanoid Hand Design: Tendon-Driven vs. In-Finger Actuators
demian_ai · x · 2026-09-02
The humanoid robotics industry is split between two hand design approaches. 1. Tendon-driven: Motors in the forearm pull cables to move fingers. Pros include lightweight, high dexterity, and human-like flexibility; cons involve complex fabrication and difficult maintenance. Examples: Tesla Optimus V3, 1X NEO. 2. In-finger actuators: Motors are in the palm or phalanx. Pros are simple control and easy assembly; cons are heavier fingers, lower dexterity, and heat dissipation issues. Examples: Figure 03, Unitree Dex5-1. Neither has won yet; this remains the key open question for 2026.
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