Boston dynamics enhances atlas robot hand with 13 degrees of freedom

On October 1, 2026, Boston Dynamics announced an upgrade to its Atlas robot, increasing the mechanical hand's degrees of freedom from 7 to 13. This enhancement allows the hand to perform more complex tasks, such as operating a drill or tightening screws. The updated hand features one thumb and three additional fingers, with Boston Dynamics noting that adding a fifth finger would increase structural complexity and energy consumption. Dylan Thrush, a mechanical engineer at Boston Dynamics, stated that the increased degrees of freedom will expand the range of independent movements the hand can execute. The company emphasized that the new design enables greater dexterity, making the Atlas robot more capable in industrial and assembly tasks. The upgrade reflects Boston Dynamics' ongoing efforts to improve the versatility and functionality of its humanoid robots.