What is the grip strength or payload capacity of the DEX-EE Dexterous Hand?

The DEX-EE can hold up to **5 kg** in a power grasp, supported by high torque density from 15 maxon DCX16 DC motors driving tendons for sufficient force across joints.

How many fingers does the DEX-EE have and what are its degrees of freedom (DOF)?

The DEX-EE features **3 robust fingers** (larger than a human hand) with **20 DOF** total, actuated by tendon-driven systems using 5 motors per finger for 4 joints each, eliminating backlash for precise control.

What is the weight and dimensions of the DEX-EE hand?

It weighs **0.9 kg** and measures approximately **50 × 50 × 50 cm**.

What arm or robot compatibility does the DEX-EE support?

The DEX-EE uses an **EtherCAT bus** for 100Mbps Ethernet-based communication, with full integration into **ROS (Robot Operating System)**, making it compatible with PC control, power supplies, and auxiliary equipment.

What programming interfaces or SDK does the DEX-EE provide?

It supports **ROS-compliant** programming via EtherCAT, with features like torque/position control, PID tuning, operational limits adjustment, motor resets, data rate changes for sensors/motors, and firmware updates through Shadow's Smart Motor system.

What are the main use cases for the DEX-EE Dexterous Hand?

Designed for **long-duration AI and machine learning experiments**, dynamic manipulation tasks, dexterous grasping, and real-world learning with rich sensory data; developed in response to Google DeepMind for robust, interruption-free operation.

How robust is the DEX-EE and what maintenance is required?

It offers **high reliability and easy maintenance** with modular replaceable finger units, fail-safes, shutdown routines, and minimal training needed; built for endurance in harsh learning environments without downtime.

What safety features does the DEX-EE include?

Safety includes **high-bandwidth torque/position control loops**, force/temperature cut-outs, error/status tracking, and sensitive interaction detection via inertial/force sensors to handle delicate objects without risk.

What sensors are integrated into the DEX-EE for tactile and environmental feedback?

Features **high-speed network sensors** for position, force, and inertial data; hundreds of tactile channels per finger with multi-taxel 3-DOF sensors on middle/proximal fingers; stereo-camera-based fingertip sensors with hundreds of taxels for 3D environment data, slip detection, and texture/compliance sensing.

What is the pricing or availability status of the DEX-EE?

Specific pricing is not publicly detailed in specifications; it is **available on backorder** from Shadow Robot Company.

DEX-EE Dexterous Hand

The DEX-EE Dexterous Hand by Shadow Robot Company is a robust, three-fingered robotic hand designed for long-duration AI and machine learning experiments, emphasizing reliability, rich sensing, and dynamic manipulation. Developed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, it features modular fingers, high-bandwidth torque/position control, hundreds of tactile channels per finger via stereo-camera-based sensors, and tendon-driven actuation with multiple motors per joint for backlash-free precision. Sized ~50% larger than a human hand, it prioritizes endurance over anthropomorphic form for uninterrupted real-world tasks.

Manufacturer

Shadow Robot Company

Rating

☆☆☆☆☆(0.0)

Launch Year

2024

Price

USD 60,000 – 100,000