What is the Dg 5f?
The Tesollo DG-5F is a dexterous robotic hand end-effector designed for high-precision manipulation tasks in robotics and industrial automation. Manufactured by Tesollo, a South Korean robotics company, it features five fully articulated fingers with 20 degrees of freedom driven by individual direct-drive BLDC motors. The hand replicates a human adult hand size (20 cm length) and provides a payload capacity of 20 kg. Unlike sensorized hands like the Shadow Dexterous Hand, the DG-5F focuses on pure actuation strength and durability, suitable for heavy-duty applications. With a weight of 1.76 kg and no onboard battery (external power), it integrates with various robot arms and humanoid platforms. First unveiled at IROS 2024 and commercially available since March 2025, it is an in-production product.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Length (palm to fingertip) | 20 cm |
| Weight | 1.76 kg |
| Degrees of freedom | 20 |
| Battery life | 0 hours (external power only) |
| Max speed | N/A |
| Payload | 20 kg |
| Price (new) | $21,000 |
| Price (used range) | $15,000 – $21,000 (est.) |
Price & Value
New MSRP: $21,000
Used range: $15,000 – $21,000 (est.)
At $21,000, the DG-5F costs a fraction of the $100,000 Shadow Dexterous Hand while offering similar anthropomorphic dexterity, though it lacks integrated tactile sensing. Its 20 kg payload is exceptional for a humanoid hand, making it compelling for applications where strength and grip variety matter more than soft-touch feedback. The used market is just emerging; early resale units may list between $15,000 and $21,000 depending on hours and wear. Total cost of ownership is low because the direct-drive actuator design is robust and avoids sensor complexity, reducing maintenance. For integrators deploying multiple hands on robot arms, the per-unit savings over a Shadow hand can justify the absence of tactile feedback. Depreciation is expected to be gradual given the niche demand and Tesollo's reputation for reliable grippers.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - Robotics labs needing a durable dexterous gripper for heavy object manipulation experiments - Industrial automation integrators seeking a human-like hand with high payload for pick-and-place in manufacturing lines
Not for: - Applications requiring integrated tactile feedback or force sensing (the DG-5F lacks sensors) - Lightweight, low-cost projects (the $21,000 price tag may be prohibitive compared to simpler 2-finger grippers)
Alternatives & Comparison
The DG-5F occupies a middle ground between premium sensorized hands and basic industrial grippers. Here’s how it stacks up against two direct competitors.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Dexterous Hand | ~$100,000 | yes | More degrees of freedom and integrated tactile sensing, but 5x the price |
| Robotiq 3-Finger Gripper | ~$20,000 | yes | Only 3 fingers and less anthropomorphic dexterity, but widely adopted and simpler to integrate |
Verdict: For buyers who prioritize payload strength and a full five-finger configuration on a budget, the DG-5F is the clear winner. If tactile sensing is non-negotiable for delicate tasks, the Shadow hand remains the superior (and far more expensive) choice. The Robotiq 3-Finger is better suited for less dexterous, repetitive grasping where speed and reliability are paramount.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Heavy-Duty Industrial Assembly
The DG-5F excels in automotive or electronics assembly lines where robots must handle diverse part geometries without tool changes. Its five fingers can adaptively grasp connectors, brackets, and subassemblies weighing up to 20 kg. The direct-drive actuators maintain precise finger positioning even after thousands of cycles, reducing the need for frequent recalibration. Since it is externally powered, continuous operation is limited only by the robot arm’s uptime, making it ideal for 24/7 workflows. The lack of sensors actually improves reliability in dusty or oily shop-floor environments.
Humanoid Robot Manipulation Research
For university and corporate labs developing humanoid robots, the DG-5F provides a realistic hand morphology for studying dexterous manipulation. Its adult male-scale dimensions and 20 degrees of freedom enable tasks like opening doors, using screwdrivers, or grasping fragile objects—actions that require both strength and precision. The hand’s 20 kg payload capacity allows a humanoid to lift heavy tools or suitcases in simulated domestic or service environments. Integration with popular bipedal platforms is straightforward via standard mounting interfaces, and the external power feed eliminates the need for onboard battery redesign. Researchers can focus on control algorithms without worrying about fragile tactile sensor calibration.
Logistics & Warehouse Mobile Manipulation
Attached to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in e-commerce fulfillment centers, the DG-5F can pick and place a wide variety of items from bins to shelves. Its anthropomorphic grip capabilities reduce the need for multiple specialized end-effectors, streamlining inventory handling. The 20 kg grip force allows it to safely handle heavy boxes of goods, while the five-finger configuration gently cradles oddly shaped or soft packages. Because it lacks tactile sensors, the hand works reliably in high-dust, high-vibration environments typical of warehouses. The absence of an onboard battery also means no downtime for charging, enabling continuous operation over multi-shift logistics cycles.
History & Background
Tesollo, founded in 2019 in South Korea, initially gained recognition with its Delto Gripper series—three-fingered dexterous grippers. Building on that experience, the company developed the DG-5F as its first full five-fingered humanoid hand. It premiered at IROS 2024, where it was noted for its direct-drive BLDC actuation approach that eliminated gears and cables, improving durability. Commercial sales began in March 2025 at a list price of $21,000. As of 2026, the DG-5F is Tesollo’s flagship hand product, with no generational updates announced yet. The hand remains in active production and is marketed toward both research and industrial automation integrators worldwide.
Buying Used — What to Check
Inspect actuator wear Direct-drive BLDC motors can degrade over high cycles, affecting precision and backdrivability.
Check finger joint play The 20 articulation points may develop looseness after heavy payload use, compromising grasp accuracy.
Verify payload rating Excessive loading could permanently damage the hand’s structure; ensure it lifts 20 kg without hesitation or noise.