A New Robotic Hand Can Thread Needles and Split Silk Strands
Suzhou, Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
Agilink’s latest robotic hand can split a single silk thread into 16 strands, marking a major breakthrough in automated delicate manufacturing and high-precision physical handling.
Agilink Demonstrates Ultra-Dexterous Robotic Hand in Suzhou
On October 6, 2026, Chinese robotics firm Agilink showcased the capabilities of its OmniHand 3 Ultra through a demonstration of traditional Suzhou silk embroidery [1]. The event, held in Suzhou, highlighted the robotic hand’s ability to perform delicate motor tasks such as splitting silk strands and threading needles under the guidance of master artisan Fu Xianghong [1][4]. This demonstration marks a significant milestone in automated high-precision manufacturing and complex material handling, signaling a shift in capabilities for industrial executives and supply chain leaders [1]. The OmniHand 3 Ultra is a spin-off product from Chinese robotics developer AgiBot, emphasizing the rapid advancement in robotic dexterity and tactile manipulation [1][2].
Technical Specifications and Sensory Capabilities
The OmniHand 3 Ultra features a direct-drive design weighing 630 g with 21 active degrees of freedom, allowing for precise movements required for tasks like splitting a single silk thread into 16 individual strands [2][3]. The device maintains a stable load capacity of 3 kg and a maximum lift of 8 kg, with an open and close time of 0.3 s [3]. Vision-based fingertip sensors detect deformations as small as 0.08 mm, complemented by a 300-point contact sensor in the palm to distinguish between slipping and light brushing [2][3]. These specifications enable the hand to handle non-rigid materials like silk, which lacks a rigid shape and requires continuous adjustments to force and finger position [3].
Corporate Timeline and Market Position
Agilink became an independent corporation in January 2026 after previously operating as a subsidiary of AgiBot established in August 2023 [2]. Following three successful investment rounds, the company achieved 鈥準nicorn鈥?status by September 2026 with a valuation exceeding $1 billion after a fourth investment round backed by Hillhouse Ventures and Mirae Asset [2]. As of October 5, 2026, Agilink has shipped over 15,000 dexterous hand units and maintains a production objective of 10,000 units per month [2]. The company claimed to hold the majority of the Chinese dexterous hand unit market in the first quarter of 2026 following the introduction of the OmniHand 3 Lite and OmniPicker 3 at the AGIBOT Partner Conference in April 2026 [2].
Competitive Landscape and Industrial Implications
The competitive landscape includes LinkerBot鈥檚 Linker Hand L30 Pro, which uses tendon-driven fingers mimicking human anatomy for tasks like driving screws, contrasting with Agilink’s direct-drive approach [1]. Boston Dynamics has also unveiled a new hand design for its Atlas robot featuring four digits, arguing that extra fingers increase costs and failure points for industrial tasks [1]. Agilink aims to apply these dexterous hands for industrial applications including manufacturing precision parts, cable management, and handling flexible materials [2]. The success of the OmniHand series was further validated during the World Humanoid Robot Games in August 2026, where it secured 14 total medals across all 8 dexterous-hand competitions [2][3].