Oct 28, 2026

Boston Dynamics Atlas got new hands, with no pinky

Boston Dynamics' new Atlas hand has four fingers and 13 points of motion. Dropping the pinky saved three motors.

Sir Toastimir

Footage: Boston Dynamics

What it is

On October 1, Boston Dynamics showed new hands for its electric Atlas humanoid. Each hand has four fingers and 13 degrees of freedom, meaning 13 separate ways it can move, up from 7 on the previous hand. Boston Dynamics says the hand can hold a tool by its handle while pressing a trigger, like a drill.

Why no pinky

In the video, the team says they taped two fingers together for a day to see what they would miss. A fifth finger would have meant three more motors, which adds cost, bulk and more things that can break. They decided four was enough.

Built to learn in simulation

Boston Dynamics designed the hand so it can be simulated accurately. That matters because robots increasingly practice in a computer first, by trial and error, then carry those skills to the real robot. A hand that behaves the same in both places is easier to train. Boston Dynamics says Atlas itself can handle loads of more than 100 pounds.

What to keep in mind

Boston Dynamics hasn't announced a price or a date for these hands outside its own Atlas program.

Footage in the video

Clips are from Boston Dynamics' "New Hands for Atlas" video. We used only segments it labels fully autonomous. Links are below.