Xynova's Prima 1: CES 2027 Innovation Award Honoree
Xynova recently unveiled the announcement that its groundbreaking robotic hand, the Prima 1, has been honored at CES 2027 with an Innovation Award in the Artificial Intelligence category. This recognition highlights the remarkable engineering and design prowess that has gone into the creation of this robotic hand.
A Leap in Dexterous Manipulation
The Prima 1 is not just any robotic hand; it features a fully direct-drive design that boasts 22 degrees of freedom. This advanced work of technology is specifically built for the purpose of facilitating embodied AI research and offers the potential for broad deployment across various applications. With its unique construction, it enables robotic engineers to achieve unprecedented levels of actuation and sensory feedback.
What separates the Prima 1 from other robotic hands on the market is its ability to integrate responsive actuation with high force transparency, complemented by visuo-tactile sensing capabilities. Such features empower AI specialists to manipulate physical objects with fine granularity, providing them with the necessary tools to develop and perfect dexterous manipulation policies. From controlling the precise force exerted during handling to obtaining rich sensory data as feedback, the Prima 1 supports sophisticated physical interactions that are essential in today’s AI landscape.
Rigorous Evaluation and Recognition
The CES Innovation Awards program is organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which emphasizes excellence in innovation across a variety of technology products. Each submission undergoes a thorough evaluation by an independent panel of distinguished experts in the industry. The assessment includes considerations of engineering functionality, aesthetics and design, and the uniqueness that the product brings to the market.
For Xynova and the Prima 1, receiving this accolade demonstrates a noteworthy achievement and marks an important milestone as it validates the hard work that has gone into overcoming the challenges associated with dexterous manipulation in robotics. The task of handling objects in dynamic environments remains a difficult hurdle in embodied AI, as robots need to synchronize movement, sensory inputs, and applied force to accurately interact with shifting contact conditions.
The Technology Behind Prima 1
What makes the Prima 1 truly exceptional is its fully direct-drive architecture. This innovative design enables millisecond-level responses while maintaining precise control of force, featured by low backdrive force and high transparency that enhances interactive responsiveness. Five-finger visuo-tactile sensing technology enhances the hand's capabilities, capturing detailed feedback during contact with objects, which is crucial for data collection and manipulation research.
Alongside the robust hardware, advanced thermal management and engineering-grade durability ensure that the Prima 1 is capable of sustaining continuous and long-duration operations. Designed as an open research platform, it offers an environment for robotic imitation learning and supports various methodologies such as teleoperation and Sim-to-Real policy transfer. Additionally, the accessibility of a Software Development Kit (SDK) allows researchers greater flexibility to develop, test, and evaluate their manipulation models and control strategies.
Looking to the Future
Alex Xia, the Founder and CEO of Xynova, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, "Dexterous manipulation is what will let humanoid robots move beyond basic tasks and interact meaningfully with the physical world. Being named a CES 2027 Innovation Awards Honoree reinforces our commitment to advancing physical AI."
Xynova is actively seeking collaboration opportunities with researchers, robotics developers, and industry partners. At events such as the Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL) happening from November 9 to November 11, 2026, and the Web Summit in Lisbon, the company has set up booths to interact with attendees and showcase their innovations. The Prima 1 will be on display at CES 2027 held from January 6 to January 9, 2027, in Las Vegas, where visitors will have the opportunity to see firsthand the capabilities of this advanced robotic hand during live demonstrations.
About Xynova
Established in Hangzhou, China, Xynova stands as a pioneering force in the physical AI landscape, providing general-purpose dexterous manipulation solutions. Their portfolio also includes Flex 2, a hybrid-drive dexterous hand designed for precise manipulation in real-world contexts. As a unicorn in the industry, Xynova operates from a substantial manufacturing facility while expanding its reach to customers, academic institutions, and ecosystem partners across both U.S. and European markets. For additional insights into their offerings, visit
www.xynova.ai.