China’s new robotic hand combines hybrid actuation for smarter robot manipulation

Xynova unveiled Flex 2, a second-generation robotic hand with 23 degrees of freedom.

It combines cable-driven tendons with direct-drive actuation, plus tactile sensing, slip detection, and a wrist-mounted camera.

The company says the hybrid design improves precision, dexterity, and durability for handling delicate, irregular real-world objects.

Flex 2 is aimed at one of robotics’ toughest challenges: reliable, human-like manipulation outside controlled environments.