Published: 2025-02
The announcement
Tesollo, a robotics company based in Seongnam, South Korea, has introduced a new version of its humanoid robotic hand, a move that signals a broader push to make advanced manipulation technology more accessible across the robotics industry. The announcement, which came to light in February, centers on the commercialization of a compact five-finger robotic hand designed for integration into humanoid platforms and industrial systems.
The new device, designated the DG-5F-S, is a miniaturized and lightweight iteration of the company’s existing DG-5F-M robotic hand. According to Tesollo, the development process for the DG-5F-S drew heavily on usage data and field feedback collected from customers who have been deploying the larger DG-5F-M model in real-world settings. This feedback loop, the company indicated, was instrumental in shaping the design priorities for the smaller version, which is intended to address common deployment constraints such as weight limits, mounting interfaces, and compatibility with surrounding robotic systems.
Tesollo has been explicit about the product’s positioning: the DG-5F-S is a commercial product meant for integration into robotic platforms, not a research prototype. This distinction matters in a market where many robotic components are still experimental or require significant customization before they can be deployed in production environments. By offering a system that is ready for integration, Tesollo is aiming to shorten the path from development to deployment for companies and institutions working on humanoid robotics.
The announcement also included details about an optional configuration of the robotic hand. Alongside the standard 20-degree-of-freedom (DoF) setup, Tesollo is offering a five-finger version with 15 degrees of freedom. This alternative is aimed at research environments where extremely high dexterity is not essential, or where a smaller robotic hand is preferable. The 15-DoF option provides a middle ground for users who need multi-finger manipulation but do not require the full articulation offered by the 20-DoF system.
Product and availability details
The DG-5F-S is built on a five-finger architecture that mirrors the structure of an adult male human hand. Tesollo has stated that the device is modeled on the size and structure of a human hand, which gives it adaptability for handling tools and interacting with real-world environments. This anthropomorphic design is a deliberate choice, as it allows the robotic hand to operate in settings that are built for human hands, from factory floors to domestic environments.
The robotic hand features 20 degrees of independent actuation, a specification that Tesollo says enables complex motions and precise grasping and manipulation. The high degree of freedom is designed to mimic the dexterity of the human hand, making the device suitable for tasks that involve complex object manipulation, tool use, and fine assembly. This level of articulation is a key differentiator in the market, as many robotic grippers offer fewer degrees of freedom and are limited to simpler pick-and-place operations.
One of the notable technical features of the DG-5F-S is its built-in gripping algorithm. Tesollo has integrated this algorithm into the hand itself, which simplifies the integration process for robotic platform developers. Instead of having to develop custom control software, users can leverage the pre-built gripping logic to handle a variety of objects.
The robotic hand supports multiple grip modes, including pinch, power, and precision grips. This variety allows for flexible and optimized grasping depending on the size, shape, and weight of the object being handled. For example, a power grip might be used for larger, heavier objects, while a precision grip would be more appropriate for small, delicate items. The ability to switch between grip modes is essential for robots operating in unstructured environments where they may encounter a wide range of objects.
Tesollo has also emphasized the durability of the device. Built from lightweight and high-strength materials, the robotic hand is designed to maintain its performance even in repetitive, high-speed operations. This is a critical consideration for industrial applications, where components are subjected to continuous use and must withstand significant wear and tear. The company’s focus on durability suggests that the DG-5F-S is intended not just for laboratory demonstrations but for sustained use in demanding environments.
The launch timeline for the DG-5F-S was announced for March, with the product expected to become available to customers at that time. The company has not disclosed specific pricing information, and details on lead times for delivery or customization options have not been made public. What is known is that Tesollo is positioning the DG-5F-S as a product that can be integrated into a wider range of humanoid platforms than its predecessor, thanks to its reduced size and weight.
In addition to the 20-DoF configuration, the optional 15-DoF version provides a lower-cost or lower-complexity alternative for users who do not need the full range of motion. This tiered approach to product offerings suggests that Tesollo is trying to serve different segments of the market, from research labs that may prioritize cost savings to industrial users who need maximum dexterity.
What it means for buyers
The introduction of the DG-5F-S comes at a time when the market for humanoid robotic hands is projected to grow significantly. According to market research firm Valuates Reports, the global market for five-finger humanoid robotic hands was valued at approximately $441 million in 2023. The same research projects that this market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.3 percent, reaching roughly $876 million by 2030. These figures, while not attributable to Tesollo itself, provide context for why the company is investing in this product category.
For buyers, the DG-5F-S represents an attempt to lower the barriers to adopting advanced manipulation technology. Tesollo has stated that the smaller robotic hand is expected to reduce barriers for organizations that are constrained by cost, size, or integration complexity. This is a significant consideration for startups and research institutions, which may not have the resources to integrate large, complex robotic hands into their platforms.
The company has expressed hope that the system will appeal to a broader group of users, including startups, research institutions, and small- to mid-sized companies exploring humanoid robotics. This is a notable shift from the earlier DG-5F-M, which may have been more suited to larger organizations with more substantial engineering resources. By offering a smaller, lighter, and potentially more affordable option, Tesollo is attempting to democratize access to dexterous robotic manipulation.
One of the key advantages of the DG-5F-S is its focus on platform integration. Tesollo has said that the robotic hand was developed with integration in mind, addressing common deployment constraints such as weight limits, mounting interfaces, and compatibility with surrounding robotic systems. This is an important consideration for buyers, as integrating a robotic hand into a humanoid platform can be a complex engineering challenge. By simplifying this process, Tesollo is reducing the total cost of ownership for its customers.
The built-in gripping algorithm is another feature that could appeal to buyers. By offloading some of the control logic to the hand itself, Tesollo is reducing the software development burden on integrators. This could be particularly valuable for smaller organizations that may not have dedicated robotics software teams.
The multiple grip modes supported by the DG-5F-S — pinch, power, and precision — provide flexibility for a wide range of applications. Whether a robot is assembling small components, handling tools, or interacting with humans, the ability to adjust its grip strategy is essential. Tesollo has noted that the hand replicates natural human motion patterns, making it suitable for service and collaborative applications involving human-robot interaction.
The optional 15-DoF version is a strategic move that addresses a specific segment of the market. For research environments where extremely high dexterity is not essential, the 15-DoF configuration offers a more streamlined solution. This could be particularly appealing to academic institutions that are studying robotic manipulation but do not require the full articulation of a 20-DoF system.
It is worth noting that Tesollo has not disclosed certain details about the DG-5F-S. Specific pricing, delivery timelines beyond the March launch, and technical specifications such as payload capacity or grip strength have not been made public. Buyers who are considering the DG-5F-S for their platforms will need to contact Tesollo directly for these details.
The broader context for this announcement is the growing interest in humanoid robotics across the industry. While Tesollo’s announcement is focused on its own product, the company is operating in a market that is attracting attention from major technology firms and startups alike. The projected growth of the five-finger humanoid robotic hand market, as reported by Valuates Reports, suggests that demand for these components will continue to rise over the coming years.
For buyers, the DG-5F-S offers a combination of dexterity, durability, and integration readiness that may not have been available in a compact form factor until now. The device’s 20 degrees of independent actuation, multiple grip modes, and built-in gripping algorithm make it a versatile option for a range of applications. At the same time, the optional 15-DoF version provides a lower-complexity alternative for users with less demanding requirements.
Tesollo’s decision to commercialize the DG-5F-S as a product rather than a research prototype is a signal that the company believes the technology is mature enough for real-world deployment. This is an encouraging sign for the robotics industry, as it suggests that dexterous manipulation is moving from the lab to the field.
As the market for humanoid robotic hands continues to grow, buyers will have more options to choose from. The DG-5F-S, with its focus on integration and accessibility, is positioned to be a competitive entry in this space. However, as with any new product, potential buyers will need to evaluate the DG-5F-S against their specific requirements, considering factors such as payload, grip strength, and compatibility with their existing systems.
Tesollo’s announcement is a reminder that the robotics industry is advancing rapidly, with new components and systems being introduced at a steady pace. For organizations exploring humanoid robotics, the availability of a compact, dexterous robotic hand like the DG-5F-S could be a valuable addition to their toolkit.
Sources
Published by Vigla Media OÜ (Estonia).