TakkTile LLC
Harvard Biorobotics Lab spin-off offering low-cost MEMS barometer-based tactile sensors for robot hands with 1-gram sensitivity. Now defunct.
TakkTile LLC is a Harvard Biorobotics Laboratory spin-off founded in 2013 by Robert Jentoft and Yaroslav Tenzer, initially incubated at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). The company commercialized a novel tactile sensing technology based on MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) barometric pressure sensors arranged in arrays, enabling robot hands and grippers to detect contact forces with high sensitivity. TakkTile sensors are capable of detecting forces as light as 1 gram while withstanding loads up to approximately 25 pounds, representing a significant improvement over earlier optical or resistive tactile solutions.
The core innovation behind TakkTile is the use of inexpensive, commodity barometric pressure sensors—originally developed for consumer electronics—repurposed in a silicone-encapsulated grid to form a durable, highly sensitive tactile skin. This approach reduced the cost of tactile sensor arrays by an estimated factor of ten compared to traditional commercially available tactile systems, making high-resolution touch sensing accessible for research labs and product developers. The sensors can be fabricated in custom shapes to conform to finger pads, palm surfaces, or tool tips.
TakkTile's products target robotics researchers, engineers developing prosthetics, and manufacturers seeking to add touch feedback to automated handling systems. The technology has been used in academic research on grasping and manipulation, and demonstrated compatibility with open-source robot platforms. The company announced its commercial availability in April 2013, with products sold as modular tactile sensor arrays alongside supporting electronics and software for integration into robotic end-effectors.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
TakkStrip Tactile Sensor
MEMS barometer-based tactile sensor strip with 1-gram sensitivity for robotic grippers.
TakkTile Starter Kit
Tactile sensing starter kit with two TakkStrips cast in rubber for robotic hands.
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Contact TakkTile LLC
WEBSITE
https://takktile.comHEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2012
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
