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Inspire Robots RH5MK1: Specs of 22-DOF Direct-Drive Robot Hand

AI매터스 South Korea
Overview
Inspire Robots has introduced the RH5MK1, a human-sized robot hand featuring 22 active degrees of freedom (DOF) and direct-drive actuation. The system integrates 6-axis tactile sensors capable of detecting forces as low as 0.005N, targeting a transition from laboratory prototypes to large-scale field application.
In Depth

Key Findings

Inspire Robots presented the RH5MK1 series, a 22-DOF direct-drive robot hand, at the IROS 2026 international robotics conference held in Pittsburgh from September 27 to October 1. The RH5MK1 is designed to match the size of a human hand, allowing five fingers to move independently through 22 active degrees of freedom.

Technical Details

The RH5MK1 utilizes direct-drive technology, which transmits motor power directly to the joints without using reducers. Key performance specifications include:

  • Actuation Speed: The hand can perform gripping and releasing motions at a frequency of 5Hz.
  • Back-drive Torque: The torque at which joints begin to move when pushed externally is 0.05N·m.
  • Tactile Sensing: 6-axis tactile sensors cover the fingertips and palm, detecting force increments as small as 0.005N.
  • Calibration: The proprietary joint modules include a self-correcting reference position function to reduce sensor drift during long-term use and support continuous data collection for algorithm learning.

The company did not disclose the weight or price of the RH5MK1.

Product Portfolio

Alongside the RH5MK1, Inspire Robots exhibited several other models tailored for different applications:

  • RH5DG2: Features 13 active degrees of freedom.
  • RH56H1: A compact version for small robots.
  • RH56F2: A metallic hand for humanoids equipped with tactile, force, position, and temperature sensors.
  • RH56E2: An industrial model with a fingertip gripping force of 30N and a total payload capacity of 15kg.

Significance and Outlook

Liu Yuanrui, Strategy Lead at Inspire Robots, identified reliability, testing standards, core component compatibility, and cost as primary industry challenges. Highlighting the importance of fatigue life and load testing, Liu stated that the company’s objective is to move the technology from “laboratory prototypes to large-scale actual field application.”

Source: https://aimatters.co.kr/news-report/54596/

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