XELA Robotics Introduces Innovative Tactile Sensor Advancements at Automate 2026

XELA Robotics, a pioneer in the field of advanced tactile sensing technology, is set to unveil cutting-edge upgrades to its product line at the Automate 2026 event. Scheduled to take place in New York, these advancements promise to revolutionize the interaction between robots and their environment, delivering an unprecedented sense of touch that mirrors human capability.

Key Features and Innovations

1. Robotic Fingertip with Nail

A hallmark innovation being revealed is the robotic fingertip featuring a six-axis force-sensitive nail, a first in the industry. This component is equipped with 30 tri-axial force sensing points, strategically placed within the fingertip pulp. This enhancement enables robots to pick up and manipulate extremely thin objects like playing cards and keys with precision. Additionally, it allows robots to perform complex tasks, such as scraping tape off surfaces, with remarkable dexterity.

2. uSkin Integration in Universal Manipulation Interface

The capabilities of XELA's uSkin® tactile sensor family have been further enhanced through the integration with the open-source Universal Manipulation Interface (UMI gripper). This innovative system allows for AI-assisted skill transfer between humans and robots, enabling robots to learn through observing human actions, like pouring water from a bottle into a glass. By collecting force-vector data during these tasks, the sensors add a new dimension to robotic manipulation.

3. Magnetic Interference Compensation

Another breakthrough feature being showcased is the magnetic interference compensation technology. This innovation effectively neutralizes magnetic influences from nearby magnets or ferromagnetic materials, maintaining accuracy when robots handle metallic objects in factory environments. Prior systems only eliminated interference from small, strong magnets; XELA’s advancements extend this capability further.

4. Enhanced Delicate Grasping Capability

XELA Robotics has upgraded its tactile sensors to exhibit improved delicate grasping capabilities, making them effective for handling fragile items. Enhanced software now incorporates machine vision for object location, facilitating better control of robotic arms. The new graphical user interfaces streamline advanced task development, allowing visitors at the booth to witness live demonstrations involving delicate objects such as a paper origami crane and a quail egg.

5. High Durability Models

The company has also introduced high-durability fingertip covers that can be easily replaced in case of damage. This improvement allows for greater resilience while maintaining high force sensing, albeit with slightly reduced sensitivity. Meanwhile, the equipped robots can now automatically determine the weight and hardness of the objects they manipulate, ensuring optimized handling during operations.

Automate 2026 Presentation

Dr. Alexander Schmitz, CEO of XELA Robotics, will be presenting an overview of these innovative tactile sensor technologies during a scheduled session on the Innovation Stage at Automate 2026, highlighting the seamless integration of uSkin sensors with various robotic hands and grippers from leading companies like Tesollo and Allegro. His insights will reflect the potential these technologies hold for transforming robotic operations in diverse environments.

Visitors interested in experiencing the capabilities of XELA's sensory technology are encouraged to attend demonstration sessions at booth 1888 or reach out for appointments in advance.

About XELA Robotics

Founded as a spin-out from Tokyo's renowned Waseda University, XELA Robotics has assembled a talented team with over 70 years of cumulative experience in tactile sensing technology. Positioned at the forefront of this evolving field, the company is dedicated to providing robots with a human-like sense of touch through their innovative solutions. With its registered trademark, uSkin, XELA Robotics continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in tactile sensing, paving the way for the future of robotics.