The latest breakthrough from Queen Mary's Centre for Advanced Robotics, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, introduces the F-TAC Hand – a robotic hand with an unprecedented level of human-like touch.

The biomimetic design integrates high-resolution tactile sensing (0.1 mm spatial resolution) across 70% of the hand's surface, enabling remarkably adaptive and reliable grasping even in dynamic environments.

Professor Kaspar Althoefer, Director of the Centre for Advanced Robotics, explains: “The massive spatial resolution combined with the enormous coverage are truly novel and were not possible previously.”

With its unique sensing capabilities, the F-TAC Hand represents a major step forward in dexterous manipulation. The technology could transform manufacturing, human–robot interaction, and assistive robotics — inviting a future where robots support people in everyday tasks with exceptional precision.

A special recognition goes to Wanlin Li, whose PhD research at the School of Engineering and Materials Science laid the foundation for this remarkable achievement.