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As global tech giants such as Tesla, Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Apple expand their investments in humanoid robots, attention is rapidly growing toward the individual technologies that comprise these advanced systems.

 

Humanoid robots are next-generation machines designed to replicate not only the human form but also intrinsic human traits such as perception, judgment, intuition, and mobility. These robots incorporate highly advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), vision systems, sensors, control systems, robotic hardware, software, and interfaces.

 

One concept gaining attention is "Physical AI," which integrates these technologies to bring humanoid robots to life based on AI algorithms. It underscores the collective technological ecosystem that drives humanoid robotics.

 

Among various hardware components, the gripper plays a central role. Grippers, attached to the ends of robotic arms, are designed to grasp and transport objects. These end-effectors serve as the robotic equivalent of a human hand.

 

From multi-finger grippers to vacuum grippers, magnetic grippers, silicone soft grippers, and gecko-inspired grippers with microstructures, various types are used across industrial settings. These devices are vital in tasks such as pick-and-place, palletizing, machine tending, bin picking, assembly, packaging, and fastening.

 

Recently, human-like robotic hands have begun to emerge. Designed to mimic the human hand, these robotic hands have gained recognition for their versatility across industrial and everyday scenarios. By taking over processes traditionally performed by human hands, they also offer solutions to labor shortages caused by declining birthrates and aging populations.

 

Kim Youngjin, CEO of TESOLLO, states, "Humanoid robotic hands are key tools in the journey toward full humanoid robots. Unlike conventional grippers focused on simple picking, these hands must grasp and manipulate various objects with precision and dexterity."

 

He further predicts, "With the global labor shortage accelerating the demand for robotics, the need for highly sophisticated robotic hand technology will only continue to grow."

 

"Flexibility, strong gripping force, and durability—these are the core of humanoid robotic hands"

 

TESOLLO is a company specializing in gripper technology. With expertise in micro motor controllers, embedded systems, firmware, and electrical design, TESOLLO has developed five types of robotic grippers to date. Since 2019, it has steadily expanded its EOAT (End of Arm Tooling) component portfolio.

 

In October last year, TESOLLO unveiled the DG-5F, a humanoid-style five-finger robotic hand, at the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aligning itself with the new era of humanoid robotics.

 

The DG-5F features four joints per finger, totaling 20 joints for 20 degrees of freedom (DoF). According to CEO Kim, the biggest advantage of humanoid robotic hands lies in their ability to grip and manipulate irregular and diverse objects efficiently. Compared to conventional open-close or vacuum grippers, the DG-5F offers broader compatibility across various tasks. In many cases, a single gripper can handle diverse processes without the need for tool changes.

 

Kim emphasizes that while the DG-5F was designed for humanoid applications, it is not limited to humanoid robots alone.

 

"Previously, multi-jointed robotic hands were mostly used in research due to their complexity and fragility," he explains. "In contrast, the DG-5F is robust and supports intuitive control, making it suitable not only for research but also for industrial use."

 

Reflecting on the development of the DG-5F, Kim shares that achieving durability, flexibility, and motion capability in one design was the greatest challenge. The biggest hurdle was engineering compact yet powerful actuators.

 

"Robotic hands are smaller than robotic arms and have more joints," Kim says. "Fitting multiple actuators into a tight space was extremely difficult. We also had to solve the issue of maintaining performance despite using smaller motors."

 

This challenge led to the birth of the DG-5F, which closely replicates the mechanics of a human hand.

 

One key area of focus is its integration with Physical AI. As physical interaction becomes more critical in robot operation, TESOLLO has been developing software and AI algorithms to enhance grip and manipulation functions—and will continue to do so.

 

"Focus on the Hand"—TESOLLO Rises as a Gripper Specialist, Delivering Precision Across All Fields

 

CEO Kim emphasizes TESOLLO's long-term focus on gripper technology. "Future robots will involve diverse technologies—arms, vision, sensors, and more. To stay competitive, companies must specialize and push past the limitations of current technologies through concentrated expertise," he says. He also hints at overcoming present limitations through strategic partnerships.

 

Reflecting this vision, TESOLLO has developed a diverse lineup of grippers beyond the DG-5F: the DG-V vacuum gripper equipped with a solenoid and sensors; the two-finger DG-2F; the flagship three-finger DG-3F; the four-finger DG-4F; and the DG-C custom gripper, tailored for specific environments.

 

Each model in the DG series plays a specialized role in different industrial settings—from semiconductors and displays to automotive, medical, and logistics applications. "In the early days, we focused on replacing or assisting human labor in repetitive tasks," Kim says.

 

"Now, our grippers are used in multi-product picking processes, where a single workstation handles various items. This shift highlights the growing versatility of robots, and TESOLLO is well-positioned to support this trend."

 

To expand its ecosystem, TESOLLO is collaborating with various robot component manufacturers—including those specializing in vision (robot eyes), manipulators (robot arms), and sensors (robot senses). Kim’s vision is to maximize the potential of robotic systems by integrating TESOLLO’s grippers with these complementary technologies.

 

To showcase these efforts, TESOLLO actively participates in exhibitions and conferences at home and abroad. CEO Kim believes that the next-generation robotic hand will be born from a united robotics ecosystem working together to advance technology.

 

https://www.hellot.net/news/article.html?no=100282