DARPA's Low Cost Hand Hardware

The ARM-H track of DARPA's Autonomous Robotic Manipulation (ARM) program focuses on development of robust, low-cost and dexterous robotic hand hardware. DARPA funded performers to design and build hand mechanisms that could replace the claw-like hands currently used on robots with hands incorporating 3-4 fingers and useable palms. The teams successfully produced hands that can be manufactured for as little as $3,000 per unit (in batches of 1,000 or more), down from the $50,000 cost of current technology. The new hands also incorporate sufficient dexterity to enable manipulation of objects in their fingers when controlled by a skilled operator.

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PI USA - Hexapod for Industrial Alignment

PI USA - Hexapod for Industrial Alignment

This new compact 6-axis hexapod was designed with 24/7 industrial precision alignment tasks and easy serviceability in mind. It is equipped with absolute encoders (no need for referencing) and motor brakes that automatically engage during a loss of power, for extra safety. Debuting at Photonics West 2025 last month, applications include camera lens alignment, micro assembly, and fiber optical alignment applications.