A startup's shockingly realistic robot hand

PLUS: Disney’s new Olaf robot and AI restores ancient Pompeii frescoes

Author

Gen AI Art
December 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Together with

A Polish startup just revealed a robotic hand that mimics human movement with startling realism. The demonstration marks a significant step forward in the quest to build capable humanoid robots.

Powered by a unique water-based muscle system and a neural network trained on human motion, the technology tackles one of the field's most difficult challenges. Does this breakthrough signal that humanoids are finally ready to take on delicate, real-world tasks?

Today in AI:

  • A startup’s shockingly realistic robot hand

  • AI restores ancient Pompeii frescoes

  • Disney’s new interactive Olaf robot

PRESENTED BY UDACITY

Earn a master's in AI for under $2,500

AI skills aren’t optional anymore—they’re a requirement for staying competitive. Now you can earn a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, delivered by the Udacity Institute of AI and Technology and awarded by Woolf, an accredited higher education institution.

During Black Friday, you can lock in the savings to earn this fully accredited master’s degree for less than $2,500. Build deep expertise in modern AI, machine learning, generative models, and production deployment—on your own schedule, with real projects that prove your skills.

This offer won’t last, and it’s the most affordable way to get graduate-level training that actually moves your career forward.

What’s new? Polish startup Clone Robotics just dropped a demo of a robotic hand that mimics human movement with shocking realism, signaling a major advance in humanoid robotics.

What matters?

  • The hand is controlled by a neural network that was trained on hours of human hand footage, allowing it to understand and replicate motion in real-time.

  • It uses unique water-powered Myofiber muscles that have survived over 650,000 test cycles without fatigue, making it one of the most durable artificial muscle systems publicly demonstrated.

  • This combination of AI and novel hardware enables an ultra-realistic grip with both strength and speed, solving one of the most complex challenges in robotics.

Why it matters?

This breakthrough directly tackles the long-standing challenge of creating robotic hands with human-like dexterity. Such technology paves the way for humanoids to perform delicate, complex tasks in real-world environments like manufacturing and healthcare.

What’s new? Archaeologists are using twin robotic arms powered by AI to solve a centuries-old puzzle: piecing together shattered frescoes from ancient Pompeii.

What matters?

  • The project addresses a monumental challenge by reassembling frescoes destroyed by both the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD and bombings during World War II.

  • Its AI-driven computer vision identifies color and pattern matches that are invisible to the human eye, enabling a new level of reconstruction accuracy.

  • The system uses flexible hands and vision sensors to handle the incredibly delicate fragments without causing damage, a significant advantage over manual restoration.

Why it matters?

This project demonstrates how AI and robotics can tackle complex physical tasks previously thought impossible for machines. It also opens new doors for using technology to restore and preserve priceless cultural heritage around the world.

PRESENTED BY THE GLADLY.AI

AI that actually handles customer service. Not just chat.

Most AI tools chat. Gladly actually resolves. Returns processed. Tickets routed. Orders tracked. FAQs answered. All while freeing up your team to focus on what matters most — building relationships. See the difference.

What’s new? Disney is bridging animation and reality with a new lifelike robot of the character Olaf, designed to interact directly with park guests.

What matters?

  • The robot can hold conversations, make eye contact, and move with the same fluidity as his on-screen counterpart.

  • It is built on Newton, an open-source simulation framework developed through a collaboration between NVIDIA and DeepMind.

  • Olaf will soon greet guests at Disneyland Paris's World of Frozen, and you can see a preview of him in action.

Why it matters?

This project showcases a shift of advanced robotics from industrial settings to engaging, real-world consumer experiences. Disney’s investment signals that major brands see tangible value in using AI-powered characters to connect with audiences in new ways.

Everything else in AI

Figure faces a lawsuit from its former head of product safety, who alleges he was fired for warning executives that the company's robots were "powerful enough to fracture a human skull."

Tesla faces a new lawsuit from Perrone Robotics, which alleges the company knowingly infringed on five of its patents related to the Autopilot self-driving system.

Quantum Systems, a German drone manufacturer, hit a €3B valuation after securing €180M in a new funding round, putting a potential IPO on the horizon.

Xiaomi snagged former Tesla engineer Zach Lu Zeyu to lead the development of its robot hand, accelerating its push into the competitive humanoid robotics space.

Essential AI Guides - Reading List:

Let us know!

Work with us

Reach 100k+ engaged Tech Professionals, Engineers, Managers and decision makers. Join brands like MorningBrew, HubSpot, Prezi, Nike, Ahref, Roku, 1440, Superhuman, and others in showcasing your product to our audience. Get in touch now →