Neofect Secures Robotic Hand Technology with Human-Like Tactile Sensing, Targeting the Physical AI Market

Healthcare robotics company Neofect has secured tactile-based robotic hand technology as it targets the physical AI market.

On March 18, Neofect announced that it had acquired the robotic hand technology 'X-HAND' from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).

With this technology transfer, Neofect has obtained key intellectual property (IP) for robotic hands that replicate human-like tactile sensations. The scope of the transfer includes software, design documentation, and patents, excluding hardware.

X-HAND is a wearable robotic hand designed for use in extended reality (XR) environments. It features high-sensitivity tactile sensors that detect subtle user movements and deliver real-time fingertip feedback in XR spaces. In addition to basic object grasping, it can detect object deformation and pressure, enabling precise manipulation. As a result, the technology is expected to advance the development of multi-jointed robotic hand systems.

This technology also reduces sensor size to about one-third of conventional models, making it easier to integrate into confined spaces such as inside humanoid robots. Consequently, it is regarded as a core technology that can overcome structural limitations of humanoid robot hands.

Achieving highly precise movements in robotic hands has long been a major challenge in the robotics industry. Elon Musk, who is developing the humanoid robot 'Optimus,' has cited robotic hands as the most difficult aspect of robot design. Samsung Electronics has also established a dedicated organization, 'Hand Lab,' to secure related robotic hand technologies.

Neofect plans to enter the market for high degree-of-freedom robotic hands for humanoids, leveraging the X-HAND. The company has highlighted the potential for synergy with its wearable robotic hand, 'Neomano,' based on expertise gained from its rehabilitation robotics business. Neofect is also expanding into industrial wearable robotics. The company is currently developing a new wearable robotic hand, which it plans to unveil at CES next January.

As the humanoid robot market grows, the robotic hand market is also expanding. According to market research firm Valuates Reports, the five-finger humanoid robotic hand market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%, from approximately USD 441 million in 2023 to around USD 876 million by 2030.

A Neofect representative stated, "X-HAND can set a new standard for humanoid robotic hand technology." He added, "We plan to continuously advance our field-proven technology, expanding it into physical AI solutions that span the medical, industrial, and public sectors." He also noted that the company is currently in discussions with major domestic conglomerates regarding collaboration on robotic hand technology.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.