What is the Dg 5f S?
Tesollo’s DG-5F-S is a fully actuated humanoid robotic hand for dexterous manipulation. Made in South Korea, it features five fingers with 4 degrees of freedom each (20 DOF total), driven by electric servo motors. Built-in tactile and force sensors enable closed-loop feedback. The hand weighs 0.88 kg, approximates an adult male hand at 20 cm length, and provides a grip force of up to 6 kg. Its construction uses lightweight metal alloys and engineered polymers for compliance. Released in March 2026 as a successor to the DG-5F, it targets research labs and humanoid robot integration, with exports to 16 countries. Priced at $23,000, it undercuts many competitors while delivering substantial dexterity.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | N/A (hand, 20 cm length) |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 20 |
| Battery life | 0 (none; powered via robot harness) |
| Max speed | N/A (end-effector) |
| Payload | 6 kg |
| Price (new) | $23,000 |
| Price (used range) | $18,000–$22,000 (est.) |
Price & Value
New MSRP: $23,000
Used range: $18,000–$22,000
Priced at an MSRP of $23,000, the DG-5F-S sits in a sweet spot for high-DOF robotic hands—well below the $100,000+ Shadow Dexterous Hand and roughly $7,000 less than the Schunk SVH. Its 20 DOF at this cost yields a low cost-per-degree-of-freedom ratio, a key metric for research labs. Depreciation is likely to be slow initially, as used hands will remain in demand among budget-constrained projects. Total cost of ownership benefits from standard electric actuation, avoiding the need for compressed air systems or proprietary controllers. Buyers can expect used units to sell for $18,000–$22,000 depending on wear. Given its sensor integration and compact form, it offers strong value for anyone looking to equip a humanoid torso or a stationary test rig for grasping studies.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - University robotics labs (20 DOF enables dexterous manipulation research at moderate cost) - Humanoid robot developers integrating hands for grasping, tool use, and interaction - Light assembly and pick-and-place tasks requiring delicate part handling
Not for: - Heavy industrial gripping (payload capped at 6 kg) - Extreme precision manufacturing needing micron-level repeatability
Alternatives & Comparison
The DG-5F-S competes against two established dexterous hands: the high-end Shadow Dexterous Hand and the mid-range Schunk SVH 5-Finger Hand. All serve research and integration needs but differ in DOF, price, and actuation.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Dexterous Hand | ~$100,000 | yes | 24 DOF, air-muscle/electric tendon, best dexterity but 4× the price |
| Schunk SVH 5-Finger Hand | ~$30,000 | yes | 9 DOF only, electric servo, heavier but integrated with KUKA arms |
Verdict: For budget-conscious research labs and humanoid integrations, the DG-5F-S is the clear winner—20 DOF at $23k delivers the best price-to-performance ratio. If you need maximum dexterity and proven closed-loop force control, spend the extra on the Shadow Hand. The Schunk SVH is overshadowed: its 9 DOF are inadequate for complex in-hand manipulation, making the DG-5F-S a smarter buy for all but purely industrial, high-durability applications.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Dexterous Manipulation Research
The DG-5F-S is ideal for robotics labs studying grasp planning, in-hand manipulation, and tactile sensor integration. Its 20 degrees of freedom enable complex finger movements, while force/tactile sensors provide real-time feedback for closed-loop control algorithms. Researchers can explore fine object manipulation with delicate items like glassware or deformable objects, thanks to the compliant joint design. The hand’s compact size and light weight allow it to be mounted on a variety of robot arms without overloading wrist joints. At $23,000, it offers a budget-conscious alternative to the $100k Shadow Hand without sacrificing core dexterity research capabilities.
Humanoid Robot Integration
As humanoid robots like Tesla Optimus or Figure 02 move closer to commercial deployment, end-effectors like the DG-5F-S serve as critical components for whole-body manipulation tasks. Its 6 kg payload capacity enables it to handle tools, open doors, and manipulate common household objects. The hand’s 20 DOF per unit (5 fingers × 4 DOF) aligns with humanoid hand requirements, and its 0.88 kg weight minimizes energy drain on the robot’s arm battery. With tactile and force sensing, humanoid robots can perform more nuanced interactions in service scenarios. Exported to 16 countries, it is already being tested by several humanoid robot developers seeking a cost-effective hand module.
Light Assembly and Pick-and-Place
Beyond research, the DG-5F-S can be deployed in light industrial settings for assembly of small components, sorting, or kitting. Its 6 kg force allows it to securely grip a wide range of parts while its compliant joints prevent damage to sensitive items. The hand’s electric servo actuation is quiet and clean, suitable for electronics or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. Although not designed for heavy payloads, it can complement collaborative robots in tasks requiring dexterity rather than brute strength. Used with a suitable robot arm, it can reduce the need for custom end-of-arm tooling in flexible production lines.
History & Background
Founded in South Korea, Tesollo is known for its Delto gripper series and automation solutions. The DG-5F-S was unveiled in March 2026, miniaturizing and lightening the company’s earlier DG-5F hand (0.88 kg vs. its predecessor’s weight). The launch capitalized on the booming humanoid robot market, addressing a need for affordable, sensorized hands. By mid-2026, the hand had been shipped to customers in 16 countries, predominantly university robotics labs and humanoid developers. Tesollo remains an independent firm with no known acquisitions. As of 2026, the DG-5F-S continues in production, and no discontinuation is foreseen.
Buying Used — What to Check
Sensor calibration Tactile and force sensors may drift over time; ask for recent calibration data or factory reset procedures.
Joint wear Lightweight polymer components can degrade with repetitive use, affecting finger compliance and repeatability.
Mount compatibility Confirm the hand’s mechanical and electrical interface matches your robot arm to avoid retrofitting costs.