Aero Hand Open: low-cost, open-source, lightweight, anthropomorphic dexterous hand
Abstract
Aero Hand Open is a low-cost, open-source, lightweight (< 400 grams), anthropomorphic robotic hand designed and developed by TetherIA for affordable dexterous manipulation research. At just $314, it provides a capable alternative to expensive proprietary solutions while maintaining high performance through innovative tendon actuation.
See Aero Hand Open in action: effortlessly picking up an iPhone from a flat surface, grasping tiny M5 screws, pulling a drill trigger, opening a soda can, and accomplishing much more with precision and dexterity.
Tendon-Driven Architecture
Aero Hand Open employs a tendon-driven actuation architecture in which each motor distributes force through low-friction cable pathways to multiple joints, delivering coordinated motion without increasing actuator count.
This shared tendon routing keeps the hand under < 400 grams, while the compliant cable runs absorb impact energy to cushion interactions with objects and users.
Key Characteristics
16 Degrees of Freedom
7 powered joints pair with nine passive couplers to recreate natural hand synergies.
Dexterous Thumb
3 active thumb DoFs deliver opposition, pinch, and in-hand reorientation capabilities.
100% Backdrivable
Cable routing and low gearing make the hand fully backdrivable for safe, responsive control.
Multi-Modal Control
Supports position control, torque control, and inline tendon force sensing for adaptive manipulation.