Foundation Robotics' Tendon‑Driven Hand Catches Baseball in Mid‑Air

Foundation Robotics released a video showing its latest tendon‑driven robotic hand catching a baseball while blind to the ball. The hand’s motors are housed in the forearm, leaving the fingers slim and lightweight. Flexible tendons route motion to each joint, allowing the fingers to cup and pinch objects with human‑like precision.

The system estimates finger positions on the fly by combining motor rotation data with a geometric model, using magnetoresistance sensors only as a backup. The demonstration highlights advances in dexterity and control that could broaden industrial robotic applications.

Andrea Esposito, head of the hand division, said the design required months of refinement to achieve the repeatable, rapid motion needed for a successful catch.