Unitree Dex5-1 Review: Specs and Uses of the 20-DoF Dexterous Robot Hand
Updated: 7 days ago
The Unitree Dex5-1 is a five-finger dexterous robot hand with 20 degrees of freedom. Unitree does not list a price on the product page. This review covers its specifications, versions and uses.
Quick Verdict
The Dex5-1 is a human-shaped hand for humanoid robots and manipulation research. Sixteen of its twenty degrees of freedom are driven, the thumb has four joints and the four fingers swing sideways by 22 degrees, so it can form most human grasps. It weighs 1100 g, presses with 10 N at the fingertip and holds 3.5 to 4.5 kg. The Dex5-1P version adds tactile sensing with 94 sensing points. All five fingers can be replaced independently. Fingertip repeatability of ±1 mm marks it as a research hand, not a precision industrial tool.
Unitree Dex5-1 at a Glance
Degrees of freedom: 20, of which 16 active
Weight: 1100 g
Fingertip force: 10 N
Max load: 3.5 to 4.5 kg
Fingertip repeatability: ±1 mm
Price: not listed on the product page
Unitree Dex5-1 Technical Specifications
The table below lists the manufacturer's specifications.
Specification | Unitree Dex5-1 |
Manufacturer | Unitree Robotics |
Degrees of freedom | 20 (16 active and 4) |
Fingers | Thumb 4, index 3, middle 3, ring 3, little 3 joints |
Weight | 1100 g |
Size, flat | 217.3 x 127.5 x 72.1 mm |
Four-finger lateral swing | ±22 degrees |
Minimum grip diameter | 10 mm |
Fingertip repeatability | ±1 mm |
Fingertip force | 10 N |
Max load, palm down | 3.5 kg |
Max load, palm sideways | 4.5 kg |
Working voltage | 24 to 60 V |
Communication | USB 2.0, 1000 Hz |
Working temperature | -20 to 60 °C |
Tactile sensing, Dex5-1P | 94 sensing points; range 10 g to 2500 g |
Loads are measured grasping a 5 cm round hard object at room temperature.
Design and Build Quality
The hand uses 12 micro force-controlled composite transmission joints and 4 geared joints. Fingers are modular and can be replaced one at a time, which matters in research where fingers are often damaged.
Programming and Software
Feedback
Each joint reports mode, position, velocity, torque and temperature, with voltage, current and IMU data.
Control
Position, velocity, torque, stiffness and damping are commanded per joint at 1000 Hz.
Tactile Data
The Dex5-1P adds pressure and sensor temperature values.
Unitree Dex5-1 Applications and Use Cases
Humanoid Robots
The hand is sized and shaped for humanoid arms.
Manipulation Research
Force control and tactile sensing support learning of grasping and in-hand manipulation.
Teleoperation
Human hand motions map directly to a five-finger hand.
Unitree Dex5-1 Price and Value
Unitree does not list a price for the Dex5-1 on the product page.
For the company behind the product, read the Unitree Robotics Company Profile: History, Products, Stock Listing and Controversies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
20 degrees of freedom, 16 active
Force-controlled joints at 1000 Hz
Tactile version available
Replaceable fingers
Holds up to 4.5 kg
Cons
±1 mm fingertip repeatability
10 N fingertip force
Tactile sensing only on the Dex5-1P
No price on the product page
Who Should Buy the Unitree Dex5-1?
It fits humanoid developers and laboratories working on dexterous manipulation.
Unitree Dex5-1 FAQ
How much does the Unitree Dex5-1 cost?
Unitree does not list a price on the product page.
How many degrees of freedom does the Unitree Dex5-1 have?
20, of which 16 are active.
How much does the Unitree Dex5-1 weigh?
1100 g.
How much can the Unitree Dex5-1 hold?
3.5 kg with the palm down and 4.5 kg with the palm sideways.
Does the Unitree Dex5-1 have tactile sensors?
The Dex5-1P version has 94 tactile sensing points.
How strong is the Unitree Dex5-1 fingertip?
10 N.
How is the Unitree Dex5-1 controlled?
Over USB 2.0 at 1000 Hz.
Can the fingers of the Unitree Dex5-1 be replaced?
Yes. All five fingers can be replaced independently.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
