Lausanne, Switzerland - January 21, 2026 A revolutionary robotic hand developed at EPFL is redefining dexterity. Unlike human hands, it features a dual-thumb, reversible-palm design and can even detach from its arm to crawl and reach objects on its own. Human hands, shaped by evolution, are limited by single thumbs and arms with restricted mobility. “We can easily see the limitations of the human hand when attempting to reach objects underneath furniture or behind shelves, or performing simultaneous tasks like holding a bottle while picking up a chip can,” said Aude Billard, head of the Learning Algorithms and Systems Laboratory at EPFL. The new hand can support up to six identical silicone-tipped fingers. Any combination of fingers can form opposing pairs, solving the asymmetry problem of human hands. Its reversible design lets the palm and back switch roles, and detachment allows it to crawl like a spider while holding multiple objects. Billard explains, “Our device reliably performs ‘loco manipulation’ – stationary manipulation combined with autonomous mobility – which has huge potential for industrial, service, and exploratory robotics.” Inspired by nature, the hand mimics the versatility of octopus arms and insect limbs. It can replicate traditional human grasps, hold more objects than a human hand, and even perform tasks that usually need two hands, like unscrewing a bottle cap or driving a screw. The team sees applications in tight spaces, prosthetics, and environments needing augmented manipulation. “The symmetrical, reversible functionality allows capabilities beyond normal human function,” said Billard.