hands problem
The significant engineering challenge of designing and building a robotic hand that can replicate the dexterity and versatility of a human hand, considered a primary difficulty in creating Optimus.
First Mentioned
9/10/2025, 2:20:06 AM
Last Updated
9/10/2025, 2:26:43 AM
Research Retrieved
9/10/2025, 2:23:49 AM
Summary
The "hands problem" is a significant engineering challenge in the development of humanoid robots, particularly highlighted by Elon Musk in the context of Tesla's Optimus robot. It refers to the difficulty of replicating human dexterity in robotic hands, which necessitates the creation of advanced actuators. This challenge is compounded by the absence of an existing supply chain for such components, requiring extensive vertical integration by Tesla.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Nature
Engineering challenge
Discussed By
Elon Musk
Primary Goal
Replicate human dexterity in humanoid robots
Significance
Crucial for the development of Tesla's Optimus robot
Required Solution
Significant vertical integration
Root Cause of Difficulty
Lack of existing supply chain for advanced actuators
Timeline
- Elon Musk, during an interview on the All-In Podcast, highlighted the 'hands problem' as a complex engineering challenge for Tesla's Optimus robot, emphasizing the need for vertical integration due to the absence of a supply chain for advanced actuators required to replicate human dexterity. (Source: Document 4b7cb82a-48ee-4caf-b90c-7834733aedad)
Date not specified
Web Search Results
- Hand Pain and Problems
Image 4: Palm view and back view of hand showing anatomy. What are common hand problems? There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living. They include: ### Arthritis Arthritis is loss of joint cartilage, often with inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It can occur in many areas of the hand and wrist. Arthritis of the hand can be very painful. ### Osteoarthritis [...] With this condition, the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow, confined space. Since the median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and 3 middle fingers, many symptoms may result. Each person’s symptoms may be different. Symptoms may include: Trouble gripping objects with the hand. Pain or numbness in the hand. "Pins and needles" feeling in the fingers. Swollen feeling in the fingers. [...] Rotator cuff tendonitis.A shoulder disorder with inflammation of the shoulder capsule and related tendons. De Quervain's tenosynovitis.The most common type of tenosynovitis disorder. There is tendon sheath swelling in the tendons of the thumb. Trigger finger or trigger thumb.A tenosynovitis condition in which the tendon sheath becomes inflamed and thickened. This prevents the smooth extension or flexion of the finger or thumb. The finger or thumb may lock or "trigger" suddenly.
- Wrist, hand and finger problems
Home Illnesses and conditions Muscle, bone and joints Arm, shoulder and hand problems and conditions Wrist, hand and finger problems Wrist, hand and finger problems This information may be useful for those who have a new wrist, hand or finger problem. People who have been diagnosed with a wrist, hand or finger condition or have had recent surgery in the area should follow the advice of their healthcare professional. Wrist, hand and finger problems can cause a range of symptoms including: [...] In many cases, new pain or a flare-up of long-standing wrist, hand and finger problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional. Phone 111 if: Contact your GP, or phone 111 if your GP practice is closed, if: What causes wrist, hand and finger problems? Problems with the wrist, hand, and fingers are common and can be caused by simple things like carrying out repetitive tasks or an injury during sport or a fall. [...] Occasionally, problems felt in your wrist, hand or fingers can be due to a neck problem. This can happen even when you don’t feel pain in your neck. People with this sort of problem often describe the pain as pins and needles, sharp, hot or burning pain. If you have any of these symptoms it would be helpful to read about neck problems. Self-help There are a number of things you can do to help your wrist, hand or finger problem.
- 5 Most Common Hand and Wrist Conditions and How to Treat Them
1. Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome is the most recognized hand and wrist condition. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression can lead to numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and fingers. [...] Hand and wrist conditions can cause discomfort and limit hand function. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many individuals can find relief and regain full use of their hands. If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these conditions, it is important to consult with a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. [...] Image 3: A person holding their wrist while sitting at a computer.Our hands are intricate tools, and we do so much with them. These body parts are essential to everyday life, from gripping to touching, holding to manipulating. Thanks to all they are required to do, hands are also susceptible to various conditions that can cause discomfort and hinder their function. From the well-known carpal tunnel syndrome to the lesser-known De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, here are five common hand and wrist
- Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Non-Injury - MyHealth Alberta
### Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Learn what you can do at home. Get help with other symptoms. ### Seek Care Now [...] ### Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Learn what you can do at home. Get help with other symptoms. ### Seek Care Now [...] Getting Started With Flexibility and Stretching Using Cold and Heat Therapies ### Watch Image 17RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, video Preparing For Your Appointment (Figure 1), hot, or cold. Maybe you can't move them as well as usual, or they are swollen. Perhaps your hands have turned a different colour, such as red, pale, or blue. A lump or bump might have appeared on your wrist, palm, or fingers. Home treatment is often all that's needed to relieve your symptoms.
- 5 Common Hand Disorders & Their Treatments
Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers feels like it is locking or catching when you try to bend it. The condition causes pain and stiffness in affected fingers. Trigger finger most often affects the ring finger and thumb, but can affect other fingers. Trigger finger is caused by inflammation in the sheath surrounding the finger’s tendon. [...] Osteoarthritis is often called “wear-and-tear arthritis” and is caused by the cartilage in joints wearing away over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes the lining of the joints to swell, often starting in the hands or feet. [...] Ganglion cysts are benign (noncancerous) lumps that develop along the tendons and joints of the hands and wrists. Ganglion cysts range in size from pea-sized to an inch in diameter. These cysts become painful when they press on a nerve in the hand. Depending on the location of the cysts, they may cause difficulty with joint movement.