Chinese manufacturer TheoHand has presented its NOVA 21 robotic hand at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. With 21 active degrees of freedom and 16 force sensors, it is aimed at laboratories working on robotic manipulation and tactile control.
Developed in Beijing, the NOVA 21 reproduces the structure and several movements of a human hand. TheoHand intends the device for robotics research and development, in particular for studying coordination between fingers, the reorientation of objects during manipulation and complex grasping strategies. This first public presentation marks the arrival of a new model in the manufacturer’s technology range.
Direct drive to control each joint of the NOVA 21
The NOVA 21 measures 195 × 105 × 71 mm, according to specifications provided by TheoHand. Its dimensions are close to those of a human hand, and its architecture allows the movements of each finger to be controlled individually.
The 21 degrees of freedom are distributed across the five fingers: the thumb has 5 degrees of freedom, while each of the other four fingers has 4. All of them are active and use direct rotary drive.
This architecture allows rotation at the base of the thumb, finger opposition, lateral finger movements and some backward tilting movements. It therefore supports several contact configurations with objects and different grasping postures.
To develop the mechanism, TheoHand relies on its own direct-drive rotary actuator technology. The company also designed the associated micro-actuators, mechanical structure and control system.
Grip force: over 200 N with four fingers, according to TheoHand
According to TheoHand, the maximum force at the tip of a single finger exceeds 20 N. In a four-finger grasping configuration, the manufacturer states a force of more than 200 N.
These values are performance figures provided by the manufacturer. They apply to two separate grasping configurations and are not the results of independent testing.
Force control and force feedback make it possible to work on holding an object, adjusting pressure after contact and the interactions between the robotic hand and its environment.
16 force sensors to analyse contact and adjust the grip
The NOVA 21 includes 16 force sensors, distributed across a sensing system that covers the fingertips and the palm. TheoHand states a tactile resolution of 0.1 N for analysing contact forces.
This sensory feedback is meant to let researchers study how the hand reacts when an object comes into contact with its fingers. The data collected can be used to adjust the applied force and to analyse movement coordination during manipulation.
The manufacturer places particular emphasis on experimental applications involving multi-finger coordination, object repositioning and the development of complex manipulation strategies.
TheoHand plans to expand into international markets
Founded in 2024 in Beijing, TheoHand develops and manufactures industrial robotic equipment. The company focuses in particular on end effectors, the devices mounted at the end of a robotic system to interact with objects.
Having begun its international expansion, TheoHand plans to present its products in several markets, including Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.
The NOVA 21 was first presented at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. This announcement concerns equipment intended for robotics research, while the international steps mentioned by TheoHand relate to presenting its products in new markets.