1X's product head says its new humanoid hand has solved one of the toughest problems in robotics

In an exciting development for the field of robotics, 1X has announced a new humanoid hand that it claims rivals and possibly surpasses human dexterity. This innovation is part of the company's broader mission to enhance home robotics, particularly through its flagship product, the NEO humanoid robot. The newly introduced robotic hand boasts an impressive 25 degrees of freedom, just two shy of the human hand’s 27 degrees. This enhanced range allows it to perform intricate tasks such as pouring tea, sorting grapes by color, and even using sign language. According to Dar Sleeper, 1X's product head, the company has effectively addressed what many, including Elon Musk, have termed the "hands problem"—the challenge of replicating the complex movements of human hands using sensors, motors, and advanced software. Sleeper proudly stated, "The short answer is yes" when asked if the company has finally solved this long-standing issue. He emphasized that this robotic hand is the closest approximation to human-level dexterity yet, capable of pinching, twisting, grasping, and utilizing tools with remarkable speed and flexibility. Additionally, the hand is waterproof, allowing the robot to perform tasks like washing its own hands, and strong enough to carry grocery bags and suitcases. A striking moment from the product launch video showcased the hand's resilience, as it withstood repeated hammer strikes without damage and even managed to open a bag of Funyuns to share with a human participant. A spokesperson from 1X explained that the demonstration utilized a combination of autonomous operation and remote control to highlight the hand's capabilities. Backed by significant investment, including $100 million raised in 2024 from prominent supporters like OpenAI and Samsung, 1X is gearing up for production. The NEO robot is priced at $20,000 or available through a $500 monthly plan. Sleeper revealed that the company is on track to begin shipping robots in 2026, with a select number of early customers already identified. During a recent tour of 1X's Hayward, California manufacturing facility, Sleeper showcased various iterations of the robotic hand, highlighting the evolution from early prototypes to the final design. The initial versions, he humorously noted, were overly bulky, earning the nickname "Popeye" for their oversized hands. The engineering process aimed to create a more compact and efficient design, allowing for easier mass production. Currently, 1X's facility is capable of producing 10,000 robots annually, with plans for a new site in San Carlos that could ramp up production to between 100,000 and 250,000 units per year. The response to the NEO robot has been overwhelmingly positive, with 10,000 preorders received shortly after a 10-minute demonstration video was released, which showcased the robot completing household chores like vacuuming and folding laundry. 1X's commitment to creating a humanoid hand stems from the belief that much of human intelligence is tied to our ability to interact with the world through our hands. CEO Bernt Børnich noted the importance of designing a hand that not only mimics human movement but also simplifies the training of robots through video analysis. This could pave the way for more effective AI systems that understand the physical world. As competition heats up in the robotics sector, other companies like Weave Robotics and Sunday Robotics are also developing home robots, though with a focus on simpler gripper designs. Critics question the necessity of replicating human form, but Sleeper remains firm in defending 1X's approach, stating that the human form is uniquely suited to interact with the environment we have created.