Technology Overview
Sensing Principle
The Haptica Skin series is a high-resolution, multi-axis tactile sensing solution designed to bring physical intelligence to robotic manipulation. Haptica Skins are robust, flexible piezoresistive arrays that detect both normal and shear forces (3-axis sensing) with high sensitivity. This tactile feedback is optimized for critical robotic tasks such as slip detection, precise object handling, and industrial automation. The standard sensor package includes a durable, chemically resistant surface integrated with a compact 85mm x 55mm readout board. Custom sensors can be manufactured in tailored shapes, sizes, and 3D topologies to conform seamlessly to grippers, hands, and complex end-effectors.
Form Factor & Durability
The sensor stack is approximately 2mm thick and is housed in a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) that connects to a standardized 85mm x 55mm readout board.
- Protective Layer: The outer surface is covered by a durable Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or silicone layer. This protects the sensor from abrasion, humidity, and cleaning chemicals, making it suitable for industrial environments.
- Shape Support:
- Supported: Flat surfaces, cylindrical wraps (R ≥ 20mm), and shallow cone/"lampshade" shapes.
- Unsupported (v1): Complex double-curved shapes (domes) and holes within the active sensing area.
The Haptica Stack
Haptica provides a vertically integrated solution:
- Materials: Custom elastomer and conductive ink formulations.
- Hardware (Axon V1): In-house readout board with active crosstalk compensation, supporting up to 32x32 arrays at 60fps.
- Software: On-board calibration, temperature compensation (via local RTC), and a standardized API for data access.
We chose a resistive approach to prioritize robustness and integration. Unlike capacitive or magnetic sensors, resistive sensors are immune to the EMI and magnetic interference common in robotic actuators.