Skip to main content

The Problem

The Reality of Tactile Sensing​

Tactile sensing enables robots to handle delicate and unpredictable tasks that vision alone cannot solve - like grasping fragile objects without crushing them, detecting slip before dropping items, or manipulating objects in occluded spaces.

Without force and texture feedback, robots remain fundamentally limited to pre-programmed motions in controlled environments, unable to adapt their grip strength to an egg versus a hammer or feel when a cable is properly seated. The gap between human dexterity and robotic capability exists primarily because robots lack the dense, real-time tactile information that humans use instinctively for virtually every physical interaction.

Without tactile sensing, robots must either:​

  1. Use cameras to estimate force: Adding significant latency and throughput.
  2. Rely on programmed force: Risking over-gripping or under-gripping.
  3. Avoid contact-rich tasks entirely: Limiting the range of applications of robots.

Tactile Sensing Core Value Adds​

Commercial urgency dictates a clear hierarchy of sensing needs:

  1. Contact Confirmation
    • Did I actually make contact?
    • Where exactly is the contact point?
  2. Grip Security / Slip Detection
    • Is the object firmly grasped or sliding?
    • Do I need to adjust grip force?
  3. Object Compliance
    • Is this rigid or deformable?
    • How much force before damage?