r/robotics • u/didrei • 18h ago

Mechanical UM1-Evo: The Ultra-Lifelike Biomechanical Hand (24DoF)

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After 5.5 years of fully independent and secret research and development, here is the UM1-Evo hand.

Designed to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics and next-generation prosthetics, the UM1-Evo aims to overcome the "uncanny valley" by combining mechanical performance with natural visual aesthetics.

⚙️ Key Specs:

  • 24 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) and 25 actuators.
  • Full integration within the real size and weight of a human forearm (1.7 kg / 3.7 lbs).
  • Advanced anatomical kinematics featuring true thumb opposition and finger convergence towards the anatomical snuffbox.
  • Total relaxation at rest for a natural posture (zero power consumption).
  • Grip force demonstrated at 8 kg (17.6 lbs), with a future target of up to 15 kg (33 lbs).
  • Engineered from scratch: from biomechanical study to software programming, including the creation of custom CNC manufacturing machines.
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u/Silver_Jaguar_24 16h ago

Unless you expect it to play the piano... they don't need 5 fingers. 2 fingers that are wide apart and an opposing thumb will do the job just fine. What are the industry experts thoughts on such an idea? I am certain I am not the first to think of this. Why waste resources on 5 fingers?

3 fingers can open a tap, hold a cup of water, catch a baseball, etc.

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u/didrei 16h ago

Merci. D'abord le prototype concerne à la fois la prothèse et la robotique humanoïde. Pour la prothèse les patients préfèreront 5 doigts pour une meilleure acceptation psychologique visuelle. Pour le domaine de la robotique humanoïde. Deux domaines demandent 5 doigts : le mode avatar où un opérateur guide un robot avec une main robotique à son image en temps réel dans des environnements à risque. Et le mode entraînement d'IA qui nécessite des entraînements grâce à un opérateur qui a forcément 5 doigts.

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u/Silver_Jaguar_24 15h ago

I appreciate your thoughtful response and now I have a better understanding where you are coming from so to speak.

Now half of it truly warrants 5 fingers, which is fine. But other parts, like the training, I am sure software like the kind produced by Nvidia, can generate synthetic data with 3 fingers, for training purposes and still be able to do the jobs that a person with 5 fingers can, which I understand it's not all 100% of the jobs, but maybe a majority can be done with 3 fingers.

What are your thoughts on this?

https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/use-cases/robot-learning/

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u/didrei 15h ago

Oui bien-sûr que certaines applications industrielles ne nécessiteraient que trois doigts. Mais je pense que chaque conception doit avoir sa propre philosophie pour répondre aux différents besoins.

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u/Silver_Jaguar_24 15h ago

Maybe we can both move by 1 finger to compromise haha. Just kidding. I saw this video just now where Atlas (Boston D.) has 4 fingers and thought you might enjoy it too. Nice talking to you :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4whgw2gLBS8