The two-finger parallel gripper is the default end effector of the Agility Digit 5 humanoid (unveiled September 15, 2026). It is a parallel-jaw gripper with a single degree-of-freedom wrist rotation. Agility CEO Jonathan Hurst argues for the simplicity: per recent Cybathlon winners, "the most dexterous manipulator on planet Earth that is artificial" turned out to be a parallel-jaw gripper.
The gripper is swappable: a design with ISO-standard mounting flanges lets Digit's tools be changed for the job (a "right tool for the job" strategy rather than one universal hand). It handles totes, bins and boxes in tasks ranging from tote handling and machine tending to depalletizing, kitting and quality inspection. Two payload figures with different scopes are cited: the whole-robot payload is 50 lb (22.7 kg), while — per Hurst — the manipulator itself can pick up 25 kg bins and do complex manipulation with them. Not disclosed: grip force in N/lb and any in-gripper sensors (tactile, force-torque, camera). A five-finger hand is referenced only as a possible future direction. Digit 5 remains in development (early access H1 2027, general availability by end of 2027).
Two-finger parallel gripper · serves as: Gripper, End effector, Grasping, Manipulation.
Which group Digit 5 two-finger parallel gripper belongs to and how it is built
End effectors are a subcategory of components mounted at the tip of a manipulator or robot arm, responsible for directly executing the working task. This category includes grippers, robotic hands, assembly tools, suction cups, work modules, and other elements that make contact with the target object. The selection of an end effector depends on the application type, object geometry, required precision, and interaction force.
A two-finger parallel-jaw gripper is an end effector with two jaws that close parallel to each other. The simplicity of the mechanism gives it high repeatability and grip force at low mass, making it a popular choice for industrial manipulation — moving bins, boxes and totes.
Robots in which Digit 5 two-finger parallel gripper is or can be used
