Education & Research Special / Extreme Environments Robot Manufacturer Motion & Navigation Perception & Vision
Developing a Framework for Tactile-Based Proximity Sensing of Buried Objects in Granular Media
Original from JournalofFieldRobotics: A Framework for Tactile‐Based Proximity Sensing of Buried Objects via Granular Media Jamming

Developing a Framework for Tactile-Based Proximity Sensing of Buried Objects in Granular Media

A new framework has been proposed for tactile-based proximity sensing of buried objects using granular media jamming. This method aims to enhance the detection capabilities of robotic systems in challenging environments where traditional sensing methods may fail.

The significance of this framework lies in its potential applications in search and rescue operations, archaeological explorations, and environmental monitoring. By improving the ability to sense buried objects, it can lead to more efficient and effective operations in various fields.

Future developments will focus on refining the technology and testing its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Editor's Note

The advancement of tactile-based sensing technologies is crucial for enhancing robotic capabilities in complex environments. This framework could significantly impact sectors such as disaster response and archaeological research, where traditional methods often fall short.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

Share

Related Articles/News

Singapore Team Develops ME-SOFS: A Mechanical Sensor for Touch Perception Without Electronics

Singapore Team Develops ME-SOFS: A Mechanical Sensor for Touch Perception Without Electronics

A research team from the National University of Singapore has introduced a groundbreaking soft force sensor called ME-SOFS, which converts touch into fluid-driven motion without any electronic components. This innovative sensor features a 3D-printed soft porous structure with a central pillar connected to five fluid-filled chambers. When pressure is appli...

Soft Robotics Fluid Sensors Mechanical Systems
RoboDK Launches CAM Software to Reduce Robotic Machining Deployment Time by 40%

RoboDK Launches CAM Software to Reduce Robotic Machining Deployment Time by 40%

RoboDK has introduced its new CAM software, enabling robotic machining programs to be generated directly from CAD files. This innovation, showcased at the Automate Show, promises to reduce deployment time by up to 40%, allowing users to create toolpaths and collision-free motions without manual coding. The software aims to simplify the robotic machining p...

News Robot simulation Software
JAIST and King's College Develop EleTac Soft Gripper with Integrated Tactile Sensing

JAIST and King's College Develop EleTac Soft Gripper with Integrated Tactile Sensing

Researchers from Japan's JAIST and King's College London have developed EleTac, a soft robotic gripper inspired by the trunk of an elephant. This innovative design integrates grasping, external tactile perception, and proprioception within a single soft structure. The gripper can manipulate various objects, including tofu and fabric, while estimating cont...

Soft Robotics Tactile Sensing Proprioception
Starmind's Satellite Technology Achieves 880 Billion Liters in Annual Water Savings

Starmind's Satellite Technology Achieves 880 Billion Liters in Annual Water Savings

Starmind has announced that its satellite technology can save approximately 880 billion liters of cooling water annually at full scale. This figure is equivalent to the annual household water use of around 6.5 million Americans. The technology operates by utilizing a closed-loop liquid cooling system that eliminates the need for water during its operation...

Starmind's Orbital Compute vs. Terrestrial Data Centers: Analyzing Resource Advantages

Starmind's Orbital Compute vs. Terrestrial Data Centers: Analyzing Resource Advantages

Starmind's orbital compute technology presents a significant advantage over traditional ground-based data centers by eliminating constraints related to land, water, and grid permitting. While terrestrial data centers are currently cheaper and faster to construct, with U.S. data center spending reaching $85.3 billion in 2026, Starmind's approach focuses on...

SpaceX's Starmind Faces Feasibility Challenges for 1 Million Satellite Deployment

SpaceX's Starmind Faces Feasibility Challenges for 1 Million Satellite Deployment

On January 30, 2026, SpaceX submitted a request to the FCC to launch up to 1 million satellites as part of its Starmind orbital compute constellation. This ambitious plan is unprecedented, as the total number of satellites ever launched globally is in the low tens of thousands. The proposal seeks a waiver from standard deployment milestones, citing relian...

Tesla's Optimus Robots to Support Starmind Satellite Production, Not Maintenance

Tesla's Optimus Robots to Support Starmind Satellite Production, Not Maintenance

Tesla's Optimus robots will not be used to repair Starmind satellites in orbit, as confirmed by recent statements from Elon Musk. Instead, these robots are intended to assist in the construction and operation of the Terafab chip manufacturing facility in Texas. The AI1 satellites, designed to disintegrate upon reentry, highlight the company's swap-and-rep...

SpaceX's Starmind Plans 1 Million AI Satellites Amid Collision Risks

SpaceX's Starmind Plans 1 Million AI Satellites Amid Collision Risks

SpaceX has announced its ambitious Starmind project, which aims to deploy 1 million AI satellites in orbits between 500 and 2,000 km. This initiative, confirmed by Elon Musk on June 23, 2026, follows a merger with xAI, valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion. The satellites will function as orbital data centers, processing AI workloads powered by so...

XELA Robotics Launches Next-Gen Tactile Sensors at Automate 2026

XELA Robotics Launches Next-Gen Tactile Sensors at Automate 2026

XELA Robotics unveiled five major uSkin® tactile sensor advances at Automate 2026 — including a force-sensitive nail fingertip, UMI AI integration, and fragile object handling. Full product report by RobotToday.com.

Market and Business News
Interview with Digid’s Nils Könne and Christian Kreil: Nanoscale sensors could help solve robotics’ tactile sensing challenge

Interview with Digid’s Nils Könne and Christian Kreil: Nanoscale sensors could help solve robotics’ tactile sensing challenge

The swift advancement of artificial intelligence and robotics is drawing significant attention to software and powerful processors, particularly large language models. However, experts emphasize that for robots to function effectively in real-world settings, they require a fundamental capability: advanced environmental sensing and understanding. This nece...

Features Science Sensors
ROBOTTODAY Weekly, June 15 – 19, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly, June 15 – 19, 2026

This week in robotics: Japan commits $65B to physical AI, UBTECH’s U1 humanoid companion robot nears 5,000 pre-orders, XDOF raises $70M for robot foundation model infrastructure, and Waymo recalls ~3,900 robotaxis after construction-zone failures. June 15–19, 2026.

RobotToday Weekly
Güdel enhances robotic grinding capabilities with integrated vertical and horizontal movement.

Güdel enhances robotic grinding capabilities with integrated vertical and horizontal movement.

The automation of grinding and surface finishing for large fabricated parts is gaining attention as a solution to the challenges posed by traditional methods, which are often characterized as dull, dirty, and dangerous. However, the implementation of robotic systems in this area presents significant hurdles, including the need for multiple robots and intr...

Engineering Events Automate 2026

Related Suppliers

Tactile Robots (IT)

Tactile Robots is an Italian robotics company developing soft robotic grippers and tactile sensing systems for industrial manipulation and automation. Focuses on compliant manipulation technology for delicate or irregular objects.

Logistics & Supply Chain Mobile Robot (AGV/AMR) Robot Manufacturer

Fulai 福莱新材

Fulai develops multifunctional coating and laminated composite materials and has expanded into flexible sensors and tactile-sensor systems for robotics, enabling robotic hands, electronic skin, and intelligent sensing modules in automation systems.

Trifo

Trifo develops AI-powered home robots, including robotic vacuum cleaners and security robots with computer vision and SLAM-based navigation. Its Lucy and Max platforms feature 3D sensing, person tracking, and home monitoring capabilities for residential use.

Commercial Service Robots Healthcare & Senior Care Human-Machine Interaction

LIPS Corporation

LIPSedge™ cameras utilize advanced 3D imaging technologies such as active stereo, time-of-flight, and structured light for precise depth perception and dimensioning. The LIPSense™ platform offers intelligent sensing solutions, including body pose tracking and touchless interfaces. LIPSMetric™ provides static and handheld dimensioning solutions. Integration with NVIDIA Isaac and ROS frameworks enhances robotic automation capabilities. Comprehensive SDKs and technical support facilitate development.

NextInput

NextInput (acquired by Qorvo) developed MEMS-based force-sensing HMI solutions providing turn-key touch and touchless sensing for automotive, consumer, wearable, medical, industrial, and IoT markets. Its silicon-based force sensing technology enabled software-defined button functionality in mobile and industrial devices.

Healthcare & Senior Care Industrial Manufacturing Software & Algorithm Provider

XELA Robotics Co., Ltd.

Xela Robotics is a Japan-based specialist in tactile sensing technology, originating as a spin-out from Waseda University. The company develops the uSkin high-density 3-axis tactile sensor, which provides robots with a human-like sense of touch. This enables precise grasping, slip detection, and force control for manipulation tasks in fields like assembly, packaging, and warehouse logistics.

Usense (Belgium)

Belgian sensing technology company developing ultrasonic and optical sensor solutions for industrial and robotics applications. Products target proximity detection, object recognition, and environmental sensing in automation.

Education & Research Human-Machine Interaction Software & Algorithm Provider

TG0 (Tangi0 Ltd / TG0 Technology)

TG0 specializes in advanced sensing technologies, including deformation sensing, tactile sensing, and pressure mapping. Our proprietary algorithms and software development kits facilitate the integration of gesture and proximity recognition in embedded systems. We support various industries, including automotive and healthcare, by providing engineering support, design development, and sustainability improvements. Our platform enables rapid prototyping and innovation for next-generation user experiences.

BRINC Drones

Produces the LEMUR series tactical UAS designed for indoor search and rescue. Features glass-breaking capabilities, two-way audio communications, and LiDAR-based autonomy for navigating GPS-denied indoor environments and structures during high-risk operations.

Healthcare & Senior Care Commercial Service Robots Autonomous Vehicle / UGV

RoBoa

RoBoa is a robotic system designed for confined space operations, specializing in search and rescue, as well as industrial inspections. Its unique locomotion design enables navigation through pipes and sewers, with a diameter of 5-10 cm and a length of up to 100 m. Features include 3D steering, vision, communication capabilities, and modular design for enhanced operational safety.