In its avatar robot demonstration at CEATEC 2026, Honda is demonstrating how precision work can be done with its remotely controlled multi-fingered hand. Carrying its robotic experience developed with ASIMO to new systems, the company aims to enable humans to undertake a physical task without being present at the scene. The new approach does not rely on the robot making all the decisions on its own. The user determines the target, and artificial intelligence supports the movements of the hand and its contact with the object.
The fair, held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, lasts between 13-16 October. Here, Honda R&D demonstrates the combination of multi-finger hand and AI-powered remote control. In addition, the company lists areas that may be difficult for humans to reach directly, such as maintenance, disaster response and space studies, among its target usage scenarios. This does not mean that technology serves all these areas today.
The technical data of the robot hand describes 16 movable joints and a joint speed of up to 180 degrees per second. It has the capacity to generate 50 newtons of force at the fingertip, while Honda also states that it can sustain this force for up to 150 seconds. Thus, knowledge of force does not turn into the claim of carrying the same load for an unlimited time.
Six-axis force sensors on the fingertips detect different aspects of contact. In addition, 288 touch channels distributed on the fingers and palm monitor the holding status of the object. The system tries to control the force it applies when grasping a delicate part. This structure aims to reduce the difficulties caused by holding an object from afar by looking only at the camera image.
Honda declares more than 450 thousand durability cycles for the hand mechanism. These tests include 24 thousand cycles involving lifting 5 kilograms of load. However, the number of tests should not be interpreted as warranty period or the same performance under all conditions. The manufacturer describes the scope of durability tests and does not make a lifespan commitment for a purchasable product.
Artificial intelligence corrects the movements of the robot hand according to the operator’s intention
In Honda’s remote control approach, the user evaluates the situation and decides what the robot will do. Artificial intelligence predicts this intention by evaluating the robot’s sensors together with the data in the glasses and gloves. Additionally, it applies corrections for the distance to the object, the angle of the hand, and grip strength, and the operator receives feedback through vibration in the gloves.
This division of labor creates a different approach between a completely independent robot and a mechanism that copies motion exactly. It supports distance and contact information, which becomes difficult in remote use, while preserving the user’s decision. Therefore, when evaluating the representation, it is not enough to just look at the movement of the fingers; Detection and motion corrections are also part of what the system does.
Honda demonstrates the goal of precision with examples such as threading a needle, tightening small screws, and using scissors. The technology is progressing as a research and development study and the company does not disclose the individual sales price or delivery date to the consumer in the CEATEC announcement. The trade show showcases the possibilities of doing physical work remotely, and does not launch the sale of a robot ready for everyday use.