Designing and Teaching Dexterous Robot Hands

June 2026

Designing and Teaching Dexterous Robot Hands

Authors:

Kenneth Shaw

Abstract:

Our human hands are masterpieces of power and precision, capable of typing, hammering, or delicately using chopsticks. Yet most robots today still rely on simple two-finger grippers in controlled settings because dexterous hands are costly and difficult to deploy. To close this gap, I will introduce my LEAP Hands, high-performance, low-cost, and easy-to-assemble robotic hands that have become the most widely used platform for dexterous manipulation research. LEAP Hand V1 employs motor-in-joint actuation for simplicity, while V2 introduces a novel hybrid rigid–soft structure that delivers exceptional strength and durability. I will then show how large-scale human video/motion data and simulation techniques can teach human-like manipulation skills across diverse environments. By tightly integrating mechanical design and machine learning, my open-source robot hands achieve unprecedented levels of dexterity for a variety of everyday tasks. To conclude, I will discuss emerging directions in the field of dexterous manipulation research and share my future vision that I will pursue as a faculty member at the University of Illinois.

Notes:

@phdthesis{Shaw-2026-88304,
author = {Kenneth Shaw},
title = {Designing and Teaching Dexterous Robot Hands},
year = {2026},
month = {June},
school = {Carnegie Mellon University},
address = {Pittsburgh, PA},
number = {CMU-RI-TR-26-53},
}
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