Honda Motor Co. has unveiled a new robotic hand that demonstrates advanced dexterity and strength, marking a renewed focus on industrial robotics after retiring its humanoid robot ASIMO. The company aims to commercialize the multi-fingered robotic hand in the early 2030s to address labor shortages and automate manufacturing processes more efficiently.
Unlike traditional industrial robots designed for repetitive, uniform tasks, Honda’s latest development combines fine motor control with considerable lifting capacity, enabling a single robot to handle a variety of assembly operations. The robotic hand can grasp small components, such as screws measuring just 1.6 millimeters in diameter, rotate them, and insert them accurately. It can also support objects weighing up to 5 kilograms using its fingertips, reflecting a high degree of precision and strength.
The hand utilizes four fingers—excluding a little finger—and is equipped with tactile sensors to identify the shape and orientation of objects before assembly. This sensory capability allows it to perform intricate tasks such as assembling connectors. Takahide Yoshiike, executive chief engineer at Honda R&D, emphasized the system’s smooth operation, noting the advancement in delicate movement control.
One notable innovation is the robotic hand’s newly developed drive mechanism for finger movement. Traditional robotic fingers rely on motors and wires, which can present durability challenges. Honda’s new design, for which it has filed a patent application, features a flexible mechanism that “bends like a willow” while efficiently applying force, according to Yoshiike.
Honda plans to commence full-scale field testing at its Yorii factory in Saitama Prefecture, where the robotic hand will be deployed to sort large volumes of parts supplied by subcontractors. The company envisions that the technology will enable robots to perform multiple tasks on production lines, helping manufacturers adapt to growing labor shortages.
This project represents a strategic shift in Honda’s robotics efforts following the retirement of ASIMO in 2022. Introduced in 2000, ASIMO was among the most recognized humanoid robots globally, showcasing advanced walking and interactive capabilities. However, concerns remained regarding its safety around humans, particularly in unpredictable situations such as contact with children. These challenges limited ASIMO’s potential for commercial expansion.
Starting around 2019, Honda redirected its robotics research toward developing robotic fingers, focusing on improving manipulation capabilities largely outside the public spotlight. This pivot comes amid increasing global competition in robotics, notably from Chinese manufacturers, and scrutiny over Honda’s robotics progress in recent years. The new robotic hand signals Honda’s intent to strengthen its position in industrial automation as the sector evolves.