Video: Robot hand performs magic tricks with precision using 20 independent joints

Chinese robotics startup LinkerBot has demonstrated the dexterity of its new robotic hand by teaching it to perform magic tricks.

The demonstration highlights LinkerHand O30’s ability to execute coordinated and precise finger movements.

The hand uses a direct-drive architecture with 20 active degrees of freedom, allowing its joints to be controlled independently for more human-like movements.

Founded in 2023, the company has developed a range of dexterous robotic hands with different degrees of freedom, designed to meet the needs of customers across various applications.

Robot masters tricks

LinkerBot demonstrated the dexterity of its LinkerHand O30 through three magic tricks: a card change, pulling a toy car out of a card, and a coin disappearance.

The robotic hand precisely manipulates the thin cards and small coin, coordinating its independently controlled fingers to execute each movement. The demonstrations highlight the O30’s ability to perform delicate object handling and rapid, coordinated finger movements, showcasing the fine motor control needed for more complex human-like manipulation tasks.

LinkerHand O30 is a high-degree-of-freedom robotic hand designed to give humanoid robots greater dexterity and independent control when performing complex manipulation tasks. Its direct-drive architecture has 20 active degrees of freedom, which lets its joints be controlled independently for more human-like movements.

The O30 combines brushless motors with a precision transmission system to provide high power density while keeping the hand relatively lightweight. It weighs 1.6 pounds (730 grams) and is designed for rapid installation and integration into robotic systems. LinkerBot says the hand can be used as a hardware platform for advanced robotics research and dexterous-manipulation model training, as well as an end-effector for industrial and real-world applications.

The robotic hand can communicate with other systems using CAN and CAN FD connections and can receive control commands up to 500 times per second. It can repeatedly move to a position with an accuracy of ±0.20 mm, allowing it to handle small or delicate objects with precision. The hand can fully open or close in about 0.8 seconds and runs on a 24–48 V DC power supply.

Precision meets strength

LinkerBot claims that O30 can provide a maximum load of up to 66 pounds (30 kilograms). Its thumb can generate up to 24 N of fingertip force, while the four-finger lateral pinch force reaches 30 N and the five-finger grasping force reaches 70 N. These capabilities are intended to allow the hand to perform different types of grasping and manipulation rather than relying on a single fixed grip.

The O30’s direct-drive system is designed to provide precise closed-loop control of position and torque. LinkerBot says its brushless motors and worm-gear transmission support fine movements for applications such as precision assembly and handling fragile objects.

According to LinkerBot, the hand is also designed for relatively fast and continuous operation. Its maximum power consumption is rated at 150 W, while its static current can be as low as 0.4 A at 24 V. The thumb and four fingers have independently specified movement ranges and speeds, allowing the hand to execute coordinated motions across its 20 active joints.

LinkerBot says the O30 is suitable for high-precision manufacturing applications, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace production. Its combination of independent joint control, precise positioning, relatively low weight, and high grasping force is intended to help humanoid robots perform manipulation tasks that require greater dexterity and control.