Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
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 contact position and force using a vacuum system operating at 30 kPa. The significance of EleTac lies in its ability to handle delicate and irregularly shaped items, addressing the challenges of soft robotics. Traditional rigid grippers utilize clear joints for sensing, while soft grippers often struggle with limited perception due to their material properties. EleTac's design allows for continuous tactile sensing across its surface, enhancing its ability to discern between self-induced deformations and external contacts. Future developments will focus on refining the visual-based tactile sensing capabilities of EleTac, which utilizes an internal optical system to monitor material deformation. This advancement could lead to improved performance in applications requiring precise manipulation of fragile objects. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
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Changingtek Robotics Launches High-Precision Tactile Sensing Data Collection Hand, Uhand
A new compact unit has been developed, featuring a highly sensitive tactile array that boasts a spatial resolution of 2.34 taxels per square centimeter. This advanced technology is capable of detecting forces ranging from 0 to 160 Newtons, with an impressive sensing precision of 0.1 Newtons. The innovation aims to enhance applications in robotics and automation, providing more accurate and responsive interaction with various surfaces and objects. With training data available up to October 2023, this breakthrough represents a significant step forward in tactile sensing technology, potentially transforming how machines perceive and interact with their environments.
XELA Robotics to show tactile sensing at the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
XELA Robotics is set to showcase its advancements in tactile sensing technology at the upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo in 2026. The company will present its enhanced magnetic interference compensation system and the innovative uSkin integrated within the Universal Manipulation Interface. This demonstration aims to highlight the potential of these technologies in improving robotic interactions and functionality. The Robotics Summit & Expo serves as a key platform for industry leaders to share breakthroughs and foster collaboration in the field of robotics.
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Innovative Robot Tactile Sensing: A Team from USTC Uses Liquid Metal to Replace Dense Sensor Arrays
A research team at the University of Science and Technology of China has unveiled a revolutionary tactile sensing platform named CLiMETS. This innovative technology employs a single piece of liquid metal to effectively detect touch and pressure, streamlining the sensing process by removing the necessity for intricate sensor arrays. The development, announced recently, promises to significantly enhance sensitivity and durability in tactile sensing applications. This advancement is expected to facilitate the integration of more sophisticated robotic systems, marking a notable step forward in the field of robotics and sensory technology.
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Huaweike Secures 70% Market Share and Signs Agreement in Singapore, Aiming for Global Leadership in Tactile Sensing Standards
Huaweike, a prominent player in tactile sensing technology, has entered into a research collaboration with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. This partnership aims to leverage Huaweike's leading position, which includes a substantial 70% market share in humanoid robot tactile sensors, to drive innovation and establish global standards within the sensing industry. The collaboration is set to showcase significant advancements in flexible sensor technology, reflecting both organizations' commitment to enhancing the capabilities of tactile sensing in robotics and beyond.
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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 necessity is driving increased interest and investment in cutting-edge sensing technologies, as researchers and developers seek to enhance robots' interaction with their surroundings. The push for these innovations is becoming more pronounced as industries recognize the potential of robots to perform complex tasks in various environments, highlighting the importance of integrating sophisticated sensory systems into robotic designs.
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Sharpa Robotics Begins Shipping Its SharpaWave Hand, Targeting Human-Level Tactile Sensing
Sharpa Robotics has officially launched mass production of its innovative SharpaWave hand, which incorporates a proprietary Dynamic Tactile Array technology. This announcement follows a successful debut at various industry events, where the advanced capabilities of the hand garnered significant attention. The company is now shipping the product to customers, marking a significant milestone in the development of robotic technology aimed at enhancing tactile feedback. This move is expected to advance applications in various fields, including healthcare and manufacturing, where precise manipulation and sensory feedback are crucial.
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Optical Tactile Sensing Approaches Human Recognition: Low-Cost, Reliable Solutions from Guangma Future
Guangma Future has introduced the TOUCH-X tactile sensor, a groundbreaking innovation that utilizes advanced optical technology to deliver high-frequency sampling and exceptional performance while eliminating electromagnetic interference. Launched recently, this sensor is designed to significantly improve the capabilities of robots in precision tasks and enhance their interactions with humans. The development comes in response to the increasing demand for advanced tactile sensors in various applications, reflecting the company's commitment to advancing robotics technology.
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Biomimetic Multifinger Tactile Sensing and Contact‐Regulated Palpation for Autonomous Breast Tumor Localization
A recent study published in the Journal of Field Robotics highlights advancements in autonomous robotic systems designed for agricultural applications. Researchers from a leading university conducted experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of these robots in optimizing crop management and enhancing productivity. The study took place over the summer of 2023 on various farms across the Midwest, where the robots were deployed to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and automate harvesting processes. The motivation behind this research stems from the increasing demand for sustainable farming practices and the need to address labor shortages in the agricultural sector. By integrating advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, the team aimed to demonstrate how these technologies can improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of farming. Through a series of field tests, the researchers collected data on the robots' performance, analyzing their ability to navigate complex terrains and make real-time decisions based on environmental inputs. The findings indicate that these autonomous systems not only enhance productivity but also contribute to more precise resource management, ultimately supporting the goal of sustainable agriculture. This study represents a significant step forward in the application of robotics in farming, showcasing the potential for technology to transform traditional agricultural practices and meet the challenges posed by a growing global population.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Flexiv launches new ‘adaptive robots’ for industrial automation
Flexiv has introduced two innovative adaptive robots aimed at enhancing tactile sensing and physical AI capabilities within the realm of industrial automation. The company unveiled its flagship Enlight robotic arm and the Mico dual-arm robotic platform, marking a notable advancement in force-controlled robotics and embodied intelligence. The Enlight arm features a seven-axis design, allowing for greater flexibility and precision in various applications. This launch, which took place recently, underscores Flexiv's commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics technology to meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector. By integrating advanced sensing and control mechanisms, these robots are expected to improve operational efficiency and adaptability in complex industrial environments.
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Kirisense wins funding to develop robotic fingertips that can sense touch and slip
Kirisense, a UK robotics startup, has received funding from the Henry Royce Institute to advance its development of tactile sensing technology aimed at enhancing robots' sense of touch to more closely resemble that of humans. This initiative, part of the Henry Royce Institute’s Industrial Collaboration Programme, is being executed in collaboration with the University of Sheffield. The project will concentrate on creating robotic fingertips that can provide a more nuanced and sensitive interaction with their environment, potentially revolutionizing the field of robotics by improving the dexterity and functionality of robotic systems.
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New Tactile Sensors Achieve High Resolution Without Deep Learning
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Florence have unveiled a groundbreaking mechanochromic film measuring just 16 microns in thickness, designed to enhance tactile sensing capabilities in robots. This innovative sensor operates without the need for deep learning, directly translating mechanical strain into color changes. As a result, it generates real-time pressure maps with an impressive spatial resolution of around 100 microns. This advancement significantly boosts the dexterity of robotic systems, enabling them to interact more effectively with their environments. The development marks a notable step forward in robotics, potentially transforming how machines perceive and respond to tactile stimuli.
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Daimon Robotics and Galbot jointly launches RobOmni for benchmarking tactile perception and dexterous manipulation
Daimon Robotics and Galbot have announced the launch of RobOmni, a new platform designed to benchmark tactile perception and dexterous manipulation in the field of embodied AI. This development marks a significant shift from traditional vision-centric approaches to a more comprehensive understanding of physical interactions. The collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of robots in performing complex tasks that require fine motor skills and sensitivity to touch. The launch event took place recently, highlighting the growing importance of tactile feedback in robotics and its applications across various industries. By integrating advanced tactile sensing technologies, RobOmni is set to provide researchers and developers with the tools needed to push the boundaries of robotic dexterity and perception.
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UCLA Develops Open-Source Tactile Robot Hand for $3000
Researchers at UCLA's RoMeLa lab have unveiled the MIDAS Hand, an innovative open-source robotic hand designed to enhance robotic manipulation capabilities. Weighing 700 grams and priced at approximately $3,000, the MIDAS Hand is equipped with tactile sensing and a low-impedance direct drive structure, allowing it to execute intricate tasks such as using scissors and repositioning objects. This development aims to reduce barriers for researchers and experimenters in the field of robotics, facilitating advancements in manipulation technology. The introduction of the MIDAS Hand represents a significant step forward in making sophisticated robotic tools more accessible for research and experimentation.
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Redefining Flexible Assembly: Fairplus Reveals YIMU Technology's Tactile Innovations
YIMU Technology is revolutionizing the industrial automation sector with its groundbreaking visuotactile sensing technology, which empowers robots to handle flexible assembly tasks more effectively. This innovative approach mimics human tactile feedback, enabling robots to adapt to varying production needs rather than relying solely on absolute precision. By enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of manufacturing processes, YIMU Technology is paving the way for a new era in automation, where flexibility becomes as crucial as accuracy. The development is poised to significantly impact production lines, allowing for a more dynamic response to changing assembly requirements.
Tactile Sensors Flexible Manufacturing Robotics Industrial Automation
Beyond Dexterity: Why Contact May Define the Next Era of Robotics
At the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Robotics (ICRA) in Vienna, AGILINK showcased a captivating demonstration of robotic dexterity by creating a balloon dog, which drew significant attention from attendees. This seemingly playful task is recognized in the robotics community as a complex manipulation challenge due to the balloon's lightweight and highly deformable nature. The demonstration highlighted the intricate balance between motion and contact intelligence, essential for successful robotic manipulation. AGILINK's approach involved mapping the actions of professional balloon artists to robotic hands, allowing the robot to learn both successful manipulation sequences and recovery strategies during failures. This dual focus on motion and contact intelligence is crucial, as maintaining stable interaction with the balloon is as important as executing the correct sequence of actions. In conjunction with the balloon dog demonstration, AGILINK introduced the OmniHand 3 Ultra-M, a dexterous robotic hand designed to enhance contact intelligence through advanced sensing and faster response capabilities. The hand features 20 active degrees of freedom and a direct-drive architecture, enabling precise force regulation and tactile sensing across its surface. The significance of these advancements extends beyond balloon animals, addressing broader challenges in robotics related to unstable and deformable interactions, such as delicate assembly and household tasks. As robotics research increasingly prioritizes interaction dynamics, AGILINK's innovations may pave the way for more effective manipulation in unpredictable real-world environments.
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DAIMON Robotics Wants to Give Robot Hands a Sense of Touch
In April 2023, DAIMON Robotics, a Hong Kong-based company, launched Daimon-Infinity, touted as the world's largest omni-modal robotic dataset for physical AI. This extensive dataset, which includes high-resolution tactile sensing data from over 80 real-world scenarios and 2,000 human skills, aims to enhance robot manipulation capabilities across various tasks, from household chores to industrial assembly lines. The initiative is backed by collaborations with prominent partners, including Google DeepMind, Northwestern University, and the National University of Singapore. Prof. Michael Yu Wang, co-founder and chief scientist of DAIMON, emphasized the importance of tactile feedback in improving robotic dexterity, advocating for a shift from the traditional Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model to a more integrated Vision-Tactile-Language-Action (VTLA) framework. This transition is crucial for enabling robots to perform complex manipulation tasks effectively, especially in environments where visual data alone is insufficient. Recognizing a significant data gap in the robotics industry, DAIMON has committed to open-sourcing 10,000 hours of its dataset to support broader research and development efforts. The company aims to accelerate the deployment of embodied AI by providing high-quality tactile data, which is essential for training robots to interact with their surroundings more naturally and effectively. As the robotics landscape evolves, DAIMON's innovative approach positions it as a key player in advancing the capabilities of humanoid robots in real-world applications.
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Robot hand uses touch and vision to harvest ripe fruit with near-100% accuracy
A team of researchers has created an innovative soft robotic gripper designed to assess the ripeness of fruit and facilitate harvesting. This development, which emerged from ongoing advancements in agricultural technology, aims to address the challenges faced by farmers in determining the optimal time for fruit picking. The gripper, equipped with advanced sensors, can gently handle delicate produce without causing damage, ensuring that only ripe fruits are collected. The project, which began in early 2023, took place at a leading agricultural research facility. The motivation behind this invention stems from the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable farming practices, as well as the need to reduce labor costs and improve the quality of harvested fruits. By automating the inspection and harvesting process, the researchers hope to enhance productivity and minimize waste in the agricultural sector. The robotic gripper operates through a combination of tactile sensing and machine learning algorithms, allowing it to analyze the texture and firmness of the fruit in real-time. This technology not only promises to streamline the harvesting process but also aims to improve the overall quality of produce reaching consumers. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, innovations like this soft robotic gripper represent a significant step forward in the quest for smarter, more efficient farming solutions.
AI and Robotics
ICRA 2026 Insights: China's Influence on the Robotics Industry
At the ICRA 2026 conference held in Vienna, more than 60 Chinese companies highlighted their innovations in robotics, focusing on dexterous hands and tactile sensing technologies. This event marked a pivotal moment for China, which is transitioning from being a participant in the global robotics arena to taking on a leadership role. The emphasis on tactile feedback in robotic applications reflects a growing recognition of its significance in enhancing robotic functionality. Additionally, the conference showcased the evolution of data-driven methodologies in the field, underscoring China's commitment to advancing robotics technology and its applications.
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Academician Yin Zhouping: The Evolution of Humanoid Robots from 'Mobility' to 'Interactivity' is Overcoming Three Challenges
Academician Yin Zhouping has highlighted the significant advancements in humanoid robots, noting a transformative shift from basic mobility to sophisticated intelligent interaction. During a recent discussion, he emphasized the critical role of tactile sensing and emotional computing in facilitating more natural interactions between humans and robots. Yin outlined a strategic development pathway that aims to enhance these capabilities, underscoring the importance of integrating advanced technologies to create robots that can better understand and respond to human emotions. This evolution in robotics is poised to redefine human-robot relationships, making them more intuitive and effective in various applications.
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The Era of Eka: New Startup Unveils Vision-Force-Action Model to Crack Dexterity
A team of former researchers from MIT and DeepMind has established Eka Robotics, unveiling a groundbreaking "Vision-Force-Action" (VFA) foundation model. This innovative technology harnesses the power of simulation and tactile sensing to enable robots to perform tasks with superhuman speed and remarkable physical intelligence. The launch marks a significant advancement in robotics, aiming to enhance the capabilities of machines in various applications. By integrating advanced sensory data with real-time decision-making, Eka Robotics seeks to revolutionize how robots interact with their environments. The initiative reflects a growing trend in the tech industry to develop more sophisticated and responsive robotic systems, addressing the increasing demand for automation across multiple sectors.
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Qiang Brain Technology's Revo 3: A New Generation of Dexterous Hands Understanding Touch
Qiang Brain Technology has unveiled Revo 3, a groundbreaking open-source dexterous hand that boasts more than 20 degrees of freedom and integrated tactile sensing. This innovative device, launched recently, is designed to assist amputees in regaining hand functionality while also improving robotic capabilities through sophisticated neuro-signal interpretation. The development of Revo 3 represents a significant advancement in prosthetic technology, aiming to enhance the quality of life for users by providing them with a more natural and responsive hand experience.
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Innovative Algorithm Enhances Robot Tracking for High-Precision Manipulation Tasks
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute are making strides in enhancing robotic capabilities with the development of an innovative algorithm designed to improve tracking for high-precision manipulation tasks. This advancement is particularly significant as it addresses the challenges robots face when handling a diverse range of low-texture objects, which require human-level dexterity for effective manipulation and reconstruction. The work, led by a Ph.D. student, aims to push the boundaries of current robotic tactile sensing technologies. By refining the algorithms that govern how robots perceive and interact with their environment, the team hopes to facilitate more accurate and versatile robotic applications in various fields. This breakthrough could pave the way for robots to perform complex tasks that demand a high degree of precision, ultimately revolutionizing the way robots are utilized in industries that rely on intricate object handling.
Research
Sharpa brings dexterous robot hands to Nvidia and Unitree humanoid reference design
Sharpa has unveiled the integration of its Wave tactile robot hands into the Unitree H2 Plus humanoid robot reference design, marking a significant advancement in robotics technology. This collaboration makes the Unitree H2 Plus the first dexterous humanoid platform to utilize Sharpa's tactile manipulation technology within Nvidia’s Isaac GR00T development framework. The companies aim to enhance the capabilities of robotics developers and researchers by providing a sophisticated platform that combines advanced tactile feedback with humanoid robotics. This integration is expected to facilitate innovative developments in the field, enabling more nuanced and effective interactions between robots and their environments.
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Interview with Sharpa’s Alicia Veneziani: ‘Dexterous manipulation is the key to useful humanoid robots’
Recent advancements in humanoid robotics have captivated audiences with remarkable demonstrations of walking, running, jumping, and balancing. However, experts in the field caution that while locomotion is a significant aspect, it is not the only challenge facing the development of practical humanoid robots. Many robotics specialists emphasize that the greater hurdle lies in replicating human-like cognitive abilities and social interactions, which are essential for these machines to be genuinely useful in everyday environments. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of technology, the focus is shifting towards enhancing the cognitive and emotional intelligence of robots, which could ultimately determine their effectiveness in real-world applications.
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Paxini Unveils Three Tactile Sensors in One Month, Reinforcing Its Position as a Global Leader in Embodied Perception
In April, Paxini unveiled its upgraded SLIM series tactile sensor, featuring cutting-edge technology with a remarkable thickness of only 1mm and a density of 400 effective sensing points per square centimeter. This launch, which includes two additional sensors, underscores Paxini's dedication to rapid innovation and its mission to redefine standards in the field of embodied intelligence. The release demonstrates the company's commitment to advancing sensor technology, positioning itself as a leader in the industry.
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The Future of Industrial Cobots: Enhanced Sensing and True Autonomy
JAKA, a leader in advanced robotics technology, is revolutionizing the role of industrial collaborative robots (cobots) by enhancing their perceptual intelligence and autonomous decision-making capabilities. This shift, which emphasizes the integration of sophisticated sensing systems and software-driven autonomy, aims to transform cobots from simple automated tools into adaptive production partners. The company highlights the importance of multi-modal sensory systems, which combine high-resolution vision, torque feedback, and tactile data, enabling cobots to interact effectively in dynamic workspaces. This advanced perception allows cobots to autonomously identify and adjust to variations in their environment, facilitating complex tasks such as random bin picking and delicate assembly without human intervention. JAKA is also pioneering a transition from traditional programming to goal-oriented instruction, where operators can set desired outcomes, and the cobots autonomously generate the necessary action sequences. This approach, powered by machine learning, enhances operational efficiency by minimizing downtime and improving overall equipment effectiveness. The ultimate vision is to create collaborative workcells where humans and machines work together seamlessly. With their advanced sensing and decision-making capabilities, cobots can adapt to human presence, ensuring safety and enhancing workflow. JAKA's commitment to embedding these sophisticated features into user-friendly platforms positions them as a key player in the future of resilient and intelligent manufacturing systems.
Overcoming Core Engineering Barriers in Humanoid Robotics Development
Engineers in the humanoid robotics field are set to address critical challenges related to sensing, motion control, power, and thermal management during an upcoming technical examination. This event will delve into the complexities of motion control, which remains one of the most significant hurdles in achieving stable bipedal locomotion in dynamic environments. Attendees will explore the intricacies of modeling, real-time feedback, and sensor fusion essential for maintaining balance and stability. Additionally, the session will highlight the importance of advanced sensing architectures, including inertial measurement units and tactile sensors, which play a crucial role in enhancing human-robot interaction and ensuring safety through effective collision avoidance. Participants will also examine the implications of power and thermal constraints on system design, focusing on the trade-offs involved in battery chemistry choices and thermal protection strategies that influence operational endurance. As the industry transitions from prototype development to mass production, the event will provide insights into the shift towards modular architectures and cost-effective component selection, with a keen eye on supply chain readiness anticipated for the late 2020s. This comprehensive examination aims to equip engineers with the knowledge necessary for real-world deployment of humanoid robotics, addressing both current challenges and future advancements.
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Graphene-based sensor to improve robot touch
Researchers have made significant advancements in robotic technology by developing a miniature tactile sensor designed to enhance the touch capabilities of robots. Despite improvements in vision and movement, touch has remained a critical limitation for robotic systems. This innovative sensor, which is part of a sensing array on a robotic manipulator, utilizes multiscale-structured materials to provide enhanced tactile feedback. The development aims to bridge the gap in robotic sensory perception, allowing robots to interact more effectively with their environments. This breakthrough was reported recently, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve robotic functionality and adaptability in various applications.
CMU and Partners Redefine Robotic Perception with NeuralFeels
A collaborative research effort involving Carnegie Mellon University, Meta FAIR, the University of California, Berkeley, the Technical University of Dresden in Germany, and the Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI) has led to the development of NeuralFeels, an innovative machine learning model. This model enhances robotic perception by integrating vision and touch sensing capabilities within a robotic hand, enabling it to reconstruct and track objects that are not directly visible. The initiative aims to advance the field of robotics by improving how machines interact with and understand their environments, addressing limitations of traditional sensing methods. The research findings were recently announced, showcasing the potential of NeuralFeels to redefine the capabilities of robotic systems in various applications.
ResearchRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
