Honda Motor has unveiled a new phase of its robotics program, shifting its focus from developing a new humanoid robot to creating highly dexterous robotic hands and remotely operated avatar robots. The company says the new strategy aims to accelerate the practical use of robotics in manufacturing, healthcare, disaster response, and other environments where human precision is essential.
Honda’s latest robotic hand features 16 powered joints and 288 tactile sensing channels, allowing it to perform delicate tasks such as threading a needle, tightening tiny screws, operating tools, and lifting objects weighing up to 5 kilograms. Engineers say the system has successfully completed more than 450,000 durability test cycles, demonstrating its readiness for industrial applications.
Rather than pursuing a fully autonomous humanoid successor to ASIMO, Honda is concentrating on avatar robotics, where a human operator remotely controls the robot while artificial intelligence assists by correcting hand movements, grip strength, and positioning. According to the company, this approach combines human judgment with AI-assisted precision and is expected to reach commercial deployment more quickly than fully autonomous humanoid robots.
Honda Executive Chief Engineer Takahide Yoshiike said that the technologies developed during the ASIMO program continue to play a key role in the company’s robotics research. Advances in balance control, sensing, and motion planning are now being applied to robotic manipulation, remote-operation systems, and future industrial and space applications.
Honda plans to begin testing the new robotic systems in its own manufacturing facilities before expanding them to commercial customers in the early 2030s. The company believes the technology could help address labor shortages while improving safety and efficiency in factories, hospitals, and hazardous work environments.
