As humanoid robots move from research labs into factories, warehouses, homes, and other shared spaces, accurate physical feedback becomes crucial. These machines are designed to mimic human dexterity, balance, and decision-making, but they need precise, real-time feedback from their environment to work well in unpredictable situations.
At RoboBusiness, Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG) will present its expertise in custom force and torque sensing solutions designed to address the complex mechanical, thermal, and electrical challenges of next-generation robotics. VPG provides precision sensing solutions and measurement systems that help improve product performance in many industries, making the world safer, smarter, and more productive.
Meet us at RoboBusiness.
Advanced vision systems and AI handle overall perception and path planning, but force and torque sensing determine how safely and smoothly a humanoid robot interacts with its environment. These robots use powerful actuators, AI models, and real-time controls, but they still need accurate physical measurements to work well. Humanoid robots need constant, high-quality data to control joint torque, balance, foot pressure, grip strength, and contact pressure, especially when working closely with people.
Stationary industrial robots work on fixed tracks in controlled spaces, but humanoid robots must move through changing environments, handle unpredictable loads, and deal with many points of contact. They need force-sensing solutions that go beyond standard hardware. These sensors should be built into the robot’s structure from the start, turning basic mechanical parts into smart, responsive systems.
Many engineering teams start with standard off-the-shelf components for quick prototyping but run into major integration problems as their designs develop. Stock sensors are often too large for small robot limbs, and their shapes or mounting needs can force engineers to redesign parts just to fit the sensor. These catalog sensors also have measurement ranges that are too broad, which reduces signal accuracy. They often lack multi-axis measurement and need bulky external electronics that add to the system’s size, wiring, and electrical noise. Standard parts also don’t have the thermal and environmental adjustments needed for the temperature changes and vibrations found in compact robotic joints.
VPG designs custom force and torque sensors that are built right into the robot’s structure. These sensors use precise strain gage technology attached directly to mechanical parts, so even tiny deformations under load create measurable changes in electrical resistance. Using a Wheatstone bridge circuit, these changes are turned into accurate analog or digital signals. The sensors can measure one or several directions at once, providing detailed tactile feedback, joint torque data, and multi-axis information from wrists or feet, all with the accuracy needed for real-time control.
“At VPG, we focus on providing precision sensing solutions exactly where they are needed most: at the key points of performance, safety, and control in today’s advanced intelligent systems,” said Ron Zukerman, Innovation Director at Vishay Precision Group, Inc. “With sixty years of experience in aerospace-grade force sensing, we connect experimental mechanics with smart system integration, helping engineers test, validate, and add sensing with outstanding accuracy and reliability.”
At RoboBusiness, VPG is highlighting custom strain gage-based solutions that address four key performance areas in humanoid robot design:
Miniature Tactile Force Sensors are made for very small, low capacity uses like humanoid fingertips, knuckles, and joint mechanisms. They use flexible designs and are extremely lightweight, so they don’t affect the robot’s movement. They can measure both tension and compression, and respond quickly, with natural frequencies at kHz levels. This high-speed feedback is essential for delicate gripping, detailed manipulation, and precise touch control.
Multi-Axis Force Sensors are built for complex joints like humanoid torsos, shoulders, and wrists. They use sensitive strain gage patterns, crosstalk compensation, and strong thermal stability to measure multiple directions at once in a compact design. This accurate data is key for real-time balance, coordinated movement, walking, and safe human interaction.
Joint Torque Sensors are made for managing loads in moving joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees. Custom-fit to each joint, they measure torque directly and in real time, without adding extra weight or complexity. By getting accurate torque data from inside the actuator, VPG helps robots move smoothly, respond quickly, and keep actuators lightweight.
Force Feedback Loop Sensors are designed to give real-time feedback directly to the robot’s control system. They provide fast, stable data even when loads change quickly, allowing humanoid robots to grip objects gently, adjust their resistance, recognize gestures, and work safely with people in factories or healthcare settings.
To help robotics OEMs move from concepts to large-scale production, VPG offers complete engineering support. VPG manages the whole process in-house, from defining requirements and optimizing strain with FEA, to prototype testing, thermal adjustments, design changes, production tooling, and final quality checks. Depending on the project stage, VPG works with engineering teams through flexible partnerships, including full development, co-development, or manufacturing to customer specs.
At RoboBusiness, robotics engineers, CTOs, and R&D leaders can meet VPG’s team to learn about custom sensor integration, flexure designs, and technical resources. For more information on how VPG supports precision motion control in new humanoid robots, visit www.vpgsensors.com | or follow VPG on LinkedIn.
Sponsored content by Vishay Measurement Group