qb SoftHand2 Research

Two motors, nineteen joints: the qb SoftHand2 Research from qb robotics in Cascina near Pisa relies on synergy-based under-actuation rather than one actuator per joint. Each of the two motors drives a synergy, a coordinated pattern of finger motion modelled on how human hands most often grasp, and the compliant, self-healing joints simply yield and spring back when the hand bumps into something.

At 940 g the hand closes in about one second. The maker lists 3 kg for a power grasp, 2 kg for a pinch and 0.2 kg for an open pinch, a manipulation torque of 50 Nmm and, according to distributor Clearpath, an index-finger push force of 0.5 N. Sensing is limited to motor position and motor current; there is no tactile skin. It connects via USB or RS-485 and ships with ROS and ROS 2 packages.

The model succeeds the single-motor qb SoftHand Research. Supply voltage, protection class and price are not published; quotes are on request. Compare the fully actuated XHAND1 Pro for a very different philosophy at the other end of the actuator count.