The Shadow Finger Test Unit provides researchers with access to an important component of the Shadow Dextrous Hand system for test and trials. The Finger Unit reproduces as closely as possible the four degrees-of-freedom of the human finger. It has been designed to provide comparable force output and movement sensitivity to the human finger, as well as upwards-compatibility with the Shadow Dextrous Hand.

The Shadow Finger Test Unit is a self-contained system with all muscles and valves integrated into the hardware design. The Shadow Finger Test Unit incorporates all necessary control systems (software provided under GNU GPL) and documentation for research and teaching purposes.