Contactile develops bio-inspired tactile sensor arrays that provide robots with a human-like sense of touch, enabling them to apply optimal grip force for various objects without additional programming. This technology addresses the limitation of traditional robotic grippers, which lack the tactile feedback necessary for intelligent and dexterous manipulation in real-world applications.
Funding
$2.6M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional robotic grippers lack the tactile feedback necessary for intelligent and dexterous manipulation, limiting their ability to handle objects of varying weight, size, and friction without complex programming. This deficiency prevents robots from performing tasks that require a delicate touch or the ability to adapt to unexpected changes in an object's properties.
Solution
Contactile develops bio-inspired tactile sensor arrays that provide robots with a human-like sense of touch, enabling intelligent robotic handling and manipulation. The sensors allow grippers to apply the optimal grip force to objects of different weight, size, and friction without additional programming. This is achieved through an array of soft pillars that can be deflected independently, sensing 3D deflection, 3D force, and 3D vibration using patented optical technology. By analyzing the pillar movements in real-time, the onset of slip can be detected and friction estimated, allowing for versatile and collaborative robotic applications.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes robotics engineers, automation specialists, and researchers seeking to enhance the dexterity and adaptability of robotic grippers in manufacturing, logistics, and other industries.
Features
- Tactile sensor array made of independently deflectable soft pillars
- Patented optical technology for sensing 3D deflection, 3D force, and 3D vibration
- Real-time slip detection and friction estimation through pillar movement analysis
- Ability to apply optimal grip force to objects of varying weight, size, and friction
- Plug-and-play integration with existing robotic systems