Boston Dynamics Tests Groundbreaking Non-Human Hand for Atlas Robot
In a significant development in robotics, Boston Dynamics has experimented with a non-human hand design for its humanoid robot, Atlas. The new design features a three-fingered configuration that may offer advantages in terms of dexterity and versatility. This innovation is part of the company's ongoing efforts to improve the capabilities of its humanoid robots.
According to IEEE Spectrum, the non-human hand design was first showcased in October 2025 as part of the robotics publication's "Video Friday" series. The video featured Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, using a three-fingered hand to manipulate objects and perform tasks. The new design has sparked interest among robotics experts and researchers, who see it as a potential game-changer for human-robot interaction.
The non-human hand design is an alternative to traditional five-fingered hands, which have been the standard in humanoid robots for decades. Boston Dynamics' decision to explore this new design comes as part of its efforts to improve the capabilities of Atlas and other humanoid robots. The company's researchers believe that a three-fingered hand could offer advantages in terms of dexterity and versatility, allowing robots to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively.
According to an interview with IEEE Spectrum, Boston Dynamics' robotics editor, Evan Ackerman, said, "Who needs five fingers when you could have three fingers instead? The new design is an interesting approach that challenges the traditional notion of what a hand should look like." Ackerman noted that the non-human hand design is still in its experimental phase and requires further testing and refinement before it can be implemented in real-world applications.
The development of the non-human hand design is part of Boston Dynamics' ongoing efforts to improve the capabilities of its humanoid robots. The company's researchers are exploring various aspects of human-robot interaction, including dexterity, versatility, and adaptability. The goal is to create robots that can perform complex tasks with ease and precision, making them more useful in a variety of settings.
While the non-human hand design shows promise, it still requires further testing and refinement before it can be implemented in real-world applications. Boston Dynamics' researchers are working closely with experts from various fields to fine-tune the design and ensure its effectiveness. The company's commitment to innovation and experimentation is driving progress in the field of robotics and paving the way for new breakthroughs.
As the development of the non-human hand design continues, it will be interesting to see how Boston Dynamics' researchers refine and improve this innovative approach. With its potential to revolutionize human-robot interaction, the non-human hand design has sparked excitement among experts and researchers in the field of robotics.
This story was compiled from reports by IEEE Spectrum and IEEE Spectrum.
