Boston Dynamics announced an upgrade to the robotic hands of its Atlas robot on October 1. The company increased the number of degrees of freedom from 7 to 13, which allows for a wider range of independent joint movements and more complex manipulation tasks.
The new hand design features a thumb and three additional fingers. According to the company, adding a fifth finger would have increased structural complexity and power consumption, so the team opted for a four-finger configuration to maintain efficiency.
In a demonstration, the updated Atlas robot showcased its improved dexterity by performing tasks such as operating a power drill, tightening screws, and manipulating two golf balls with a single hand. These capabilities highlight the robot's potential for industrial assembly.
