Xiaomi has unveiled a new generation of bionic robotic hands designed for flexible manufacturing environments. Engineers determined that 21 degrees of freedom provide the optimal balance between functional performance and structural complexity for these tasks.
The device features a hybrid system with 26 electric motors. Most mechanisms operate via cables, while five degrees of freedom utilize a direct drive. By placing the cable system motors in the forearm, the weight of the hand is kept to 324 grams, reducing inertia and improving response times.
The robotic hand includes a tendon tension sensor for precise fingertip and grip force control. The palm features a tactile sensing array with 1,500 points, offering a resolution of 1 mm between fingers and 2 mm on the palm. The tactile module is designed for maintenance and replacement.
To manage thermal performance, the company developed a proprietary temperature prediction model and integrated heat-dissipating fabric. The system is rated for a maximum power consumption of 100 watts per hand. Xiaomi has not yet announced specific deployment timelines or operational use cases.
