The fully integrated sensor prototype enriches the functionality of the robot hand
Tysendlow, Belgium, February 16, 2022 – Melexis, a global microelectronics engineering company, today announced the completion of a major innovation to improve the ability of robots to interact with fragile or diverse objects. Melexis introduces Tactaxis, a fully integrated haptic sensor that is compact and flexible and provides a 3D force vector acting on its surface. This innovation improves the robot's hands and grippers, enabling delicate operations like picking fruit. The technology has been successfully implemented in functional prototypes.
This groundbreaking prototype uses Melexis' industry-proven Triaxis® technology with multiple 3D magnetometer pixels. The sensor is equipped with a magnet embedded in an elastic material, which forms a soft-touch interface that mimics the properties of human skin. The device has a high sensitivity, so even a small force is detected and a corresponding response is generated. The force resolution achievable is 2.7mN, which is sufficient to identify weight changes of less than 1 g (about 0.3 g).
The Tactaxis prototype is very compact (measuring only 5mm x 5mm x 5mm), making it suitable for tight space applications.
The gradient measurement method used in the Tactaxis prototype protects the sensor from stray magnetic fields, which prevents potential measurement errors and is robust enough to handle harsh conditions such as temperature changes. Unlike other tactile sensors based on optical technology, Tactaxis is fully integrated and can be factory calibrated in high-volume production, a semiconductor process that offers significant cost and reliability benefits.
"Robots need haptic technology to manipulate fragile objects. For such applications, we have developed a new magnetic sensor to accurately measure contact forces while being highly robust to interference. Gael Close, Global Innovation Manager at Melexis, explains. By developing the power of Triaxis® magnetic sensor technology, Melexis has taken an important step in robotic haptic sensors, providing rugged and competitive multi-axis sensing solutions. We will now use Tactaxis prototypes as the basis for future R&D efforts. ”
The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has published a white paper detailing the Melexis 3D magnetic sensor prototype:
T. Le Signor, N. Dupré, and G. Close, "A Gradient Measurement Magnetic Force Sensor for Robotic Hands and Grippers That Are Not Disturbed by Stray Magnetic Fields," IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, January 2022.
About Melexis
Melexis combines a passion for technology with inspired engineering ideas to design, develop and deliver innovative microelectronic solutions that help designers smoothly transform ideas into the ideal applications of the future. Melexis has advanced mixed-signal semiconductor sensor and actuator elements that address the challenges of integrating sensing, actuation and communication components for next-generation products and systems, not only to enhance product and system safety and efficiency, but also to promote sustainability and ease of use.
Melexis is a global leader in automotive semiconductor sensors, and currently produces an average of 13 of our chips per new car produced worldwide. Leveraging its core experience in automotive electronics, Melexis is actively expanding its sensor and drive chip portfolio to meet broad demands in markets such as smart appliances, smart homes, industrial and medical applications. Melexis' sensing solutions include magnetic sensors, MEMS sensors (pressure, TPMS, infrared), sensor interface chips, optoelectronic single-point and linear array sensors, and time-of-flight technology. Melexis' drive chip portfolio includes advanced DC and brushless DC motor control chips, LED driver chips and FET pre-drive chips. At the same time, Melexis has accumulated a wealth of expertise and experience to ensure that components can communicate clearly and quickly with each other.