Tactile Sensor | Robotic Tactile Sensing | Fingertip Force Sensor

What is a tactile sensor?

A tactile sensor (aka fingertip force sensor) is a device that measures the forces in response to the physical interaction with the environment. The sense of touch in humans is modeled based on the biological sense of touch provoked by the mechanical stimulation of the skin. Tactile sensors are used in robotics, computer hardware, and security systems. A common application of tactile sensors is in robotic hands and fingers (i.e. robotic tactile sensing).

Why are Tactile Sensors so important in robotic applications? 
One of the main challenges facing the robotic industry today is that the dexterity of the fingers precludes conventional robotic systems from doing about 95% of all manual jobs. Preparing a drink, folding a napkin, cleaning a chandelier, etc. requires extreme dexterity. Replacing these types of manual labor with robots requires accurately measuring and controlling the robot’s grasping force to increase dexterity and to make sure that fragile objects are not crushed by the gripper (i.e. semiconductor wafer handling ). Although load cells are reliable sensors for force measurement, they have historically been limited by their bulky construction.

Multiple Nano Load Button Load Cells are utilized as a tactile sensor to measure the tactile force produced by an industrial robot. By integrating these micro load buttons into robotic arms end effectors (aka EOAT or end-of-arm tolling), grippers or even humanoids hands, researchers can accurately monitor and adjust the applied force, ensuring sensible objects are handled with care. The QLA424 model with only 3.91 mm diameter x 4.24 mm height and ±0.5% nonlinearity is particularly well-suited for high-precision tasks in R&D or niche applications, such as industrial grippers or end-effectors that perform specific functions.

QIA128 - Miniature and Low Power Digital Signal Conditioning
The QIA128 is an ideal signal conditioning solution for tactile robotic sensors, offering a compact design with a footprint of just 8 mm x 8 mm, making it perfect for applications where space is limited. Its ultra-low power consumption of only 60 mW ensures efficient operation, while the high sampling rate of up to 1300 samples per second (SPS) combined with up to 18.4 Bits of Noise Free Resolution (NFR) enables precise and reliable signal processing. The QIA128 also features SPI/UART digital output interfaces, allowing seamless integration into advanced robotic systems where accurate force measurement and minimal assembly space are critical.