EPFL researchers have developed a customizable soft robotic system that uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and other haptic, or tactile, feedback in a variety of configurations. The device holds significant promise for applications in virtual reality, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FvRLr-9YvKg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>In contrast to its versatile and rather complex 16 possible configurations, the design of the Digits framework, developed in the <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/labs/rrl/">Reconfigurable Robotics Lab</a> in EPFL’s School of Engineering, is relatively simple. Every configuration is made of multiple modules – or Digits – that are composed of rigid links joined by flexible joints. These joints are controlled by pressurized air pouches to change the modules’ shape and stiffness.In a study recently published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202500142" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advanced Intelligent Systems</a>, Reconfigurable Robotics Lab head Jamie Paik and her team present two Digits configurations – the wearable TangiGlove and hand-held TangiBall – demonstrating their framework’s versatility.“Haptic, or tactile, interfaces can enhance virtual reality experiences by emulating real-world touch, and support rehabilitation through interactive systems. But there is a real need for more generalized reconfigurable designs and control methods,” explains PhD student and first author Serhat Demirtas.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1750718070027-a5fe230b.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The 16 possible configurations of Digits modules. 2025 RRL EPFL CC BY SA 4.0Thanks to its modular design, the Digits framework holds potential for a wide range of applications, including progressive muscle training and motor recovery as well as different configurations for haptic interfaces in virtual environments.<h2>Matching the sensory richness of human touch</h2>Unlike other human senses like vision and hearing, which are largely passive, the sense of touch requires complex actions, like rubbing or grasping, to perceive texture, temperature, weight, shape, or stiffness. Haptic technologies are therefore often developed for a single use or aspect of touch, as it is extremely challenging to create systems that can combine adaptability and scalability with a lifelike haptic experience.<blockquote>Our goal with the Digits modules is to redefine human-machine interaction through reconfigurable robots that adapt their shape, stiffness, and haptic feedback.<footer>- Jamie Paik</footer></blockquote>The Digits framework meets this challenge thanks to the signature reconfigurable robotics technology of Paik’s lab. Remarkably, it spans two major categories of robotic configuration: closed-chain and open-chain. While open-chain structures consist of series of connected links fixed at one end, like a robotic arm, closed-chain configurations usually have a loop design with two fixed ends. The open-chain TangiGlove therefore resembles an exoskeleton, which can be used to deliver stiffness feedback to the wearer. Meanwhile, the closed-chain TangiBall has four connected Digits that can assume up to eight different shapes – ranging from a cube to a sphere – in addition to providing stiffness feedback. Both devices can also produce vibrations.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1750718111945-ac0582bf.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Digits has significant potential for virtual and augmented reality environments. 2025 RRL EPFL CC BY SA 4.0In addition to its modular design, the Digits framework is notable for its focus on pneumatic (compressed air)-based actuation, which is an underexplored area of robotics for personalized haptic experiences. To close this gap, the scientists extended the open-source robotics software Feelix, enabling users to create custom pneumatic haptic interaction profiles. The machine learning-based system can sense touch-induced changes in the Digits modules and create new intelligent, intuitive interactions – with no coding required.The team already has plans to develop the technology’s rehabilitation potential by evaluating therapeutic scenarios and long-term usability. They are also investigating a wider range of applications via new configurations, especially those that leverage the device’s quick transitions between different, dimensions, shapes, and stiffnesses – an essential prerequisite for real-time interaction in virtual and augmented environments.“Our goal with the Digits modules is to redefine human-machine interaction through reconfigurable robots that adapt their shape, stiffness, and haptic feedback. This adaptability supports more tangible virtual reality, effective rehabilitation, and richer experiences for everyone – regardless of their size, ability, and need,” Paik emphasizes.<hr>ReferencesDemirtas, S., van Oosterhout, A., Kadungamparambil John, R. and Paik, J. (2025), Reconfigurable Haptic Feedback: Comprehensive Design and Control Framework. Adv. Intell. Syst. 2500142.&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202500142" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202500142</a>

One possible configuration of the TangiBall. 2025 RRL EPFL CC BY SA 4.0

EPFL researchers have developed a customizable soft robotic system that uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and other haptic, or tactile, feedback in a variety of configurations.

Soft robot modules for new haptic interactions

Azoteq has launched the <a href="https://www.azoteq.com/haptic-solutions/">IQS39x family</a> - compact haptic ICs that combine capacitive and inductive sensing with tactile feedback in a single chip. Ideal for Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA) motors, the ICs feature an integrated H-bridge, multiple drive modes, and real-time auto-resonance tracking capabilities.The ultracompact chip is the latest addition to Azoteq’s versatile product portfolio that already features solutions, such as:<ul><li dir="ltr">PROXSENSE Modules &nbsp;for trackpads</li><li dir="ltr">PROXFUSION Combination sensors</li><li dir="ltr">PROXSENSE Capacitive sensors</li><li dir="ltr">POWERSENSE Lighting and power solutions</li></ul>Modern devices, from wearables to industrial controls, are moving away from mechanical buttons. But flat touch interfaces can feel unresponsive. That’s where haptics step in, restoring tactile feedback and enhancing user confidence, accuracy, and accessibility.<h2 dir="ltr">What is Haptic Feedback?</h2>Haptic feedback has transformed the way we interact with digital interfaces by conveying information through the sense of touch, utilizing vibrations, forces, or motions. It can enhance accuracy in tasks by improving accessibility for visually and auditorily impaired individuals as well as by boosting overall user engagement with intuitive interactions.&nbsp;As digital interfaces become increasingly central to our lives, the demand for tactile and intuitive feedback is surging. From smartphones and smartwatches to robotics and industrial controls, users now expect more than just visual or audio cues. They want to&nbsp;feel&nbsp;their interactions. Haptic technology meets this need, enhancing user confidence, precision, and satisfaction. The tactile sensor market is projected to hit $57.1 billion by 2034, driven by booming adoption in consumer electronics and smart devices. To stay competitive, manufacturers are embracing haptics as a key differentiator, making digital experiences more natural, engaging, and human.<h3 dir="ltr">The Designer’s Dilemma: Making Touch Feel Right</h3>Replacing mechanical buttons with sleek touch interfaces meets modern expectations, but it comes with real engineering design challenges:<ul><li dir="ltr">Overlay Limitations: Touch sensitivity varies depending on the thickness and material of the overlays. Gloves, protective gear, or glass panels can make input detection unreliable.</li><li dir="ltr">Environmental Sensitivity: Temperature changes, humidity, and EMI can all interfere with capacitive touch, leading to missed or false inputs, especially in industrial or outdoor settings.</li><li dir="ltr">Electrical Noise: Nearby circuits and devices generate noise that disrupts touch accuracy. Designers must add shielding, filters, and tuning to maintain performance.</li><li dir="ltr">Complex Design Requirements: Developing a responsive, reliable capacitive interface requires specialized firmware, fine-tuned sensors, and meticulous PCB design, which slows down development and increases costs.</li><li dir="ltr">Production and Calibration Hurdles: Consistent performance requires iterative design, calibration, and testing, which add time and complexity to the manufacturing process.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">What Makes Azoteq’s Haptic Portfolio Stand Out</h2>Azoteq’s IQS39x family combines capacitive sensing and haptic feedback into a single, compact ASIC, making it essential for designers building next-generation interfaces. Whether you're designing for wearables, keyboards, or industrial controls, the IQS39x delivers performance, simplicity, and flexibility in one.<h3 dir="ltr">Why engineers love it</h3><ul><li dir="ltr">Ultra-Compact Design &nbsp;The sensor and haptic driver are combined in a single chip, minimizing footprint—perfect for miniaturized systems like controllers, wearables, and touch panels.</li><li dir="ltr">Simplified Architecture &nbsp;Fewer components mean reduced design complexity and precise system integration.</li><li dir="ltr">Responsive &amp; Tunable &nbsp;Sensitivity can be fine-tuned via external components, optimizing performance even in low-power devices like IoT wearables.</li><li dir="ltr">Cost-Effective &nbsp;With a low BOM and fewer materials, it helps reduce development and manufacturing costs.</li><li dir="ltr">Precise Integration &nbsp;Designed with usability in mind, IQS39x ICs allow developers to move quickly from concept to prototype to production. Their preconfigured features and compact footprint make them ideal for both new designs and retrofits.</li><li dir="ltr">Plug-and-Play Simplicity &nbsp;With built-in haptic drivers and configurable modes, these ICs reduce the need for custom firmware or complex hardware redesigns—supporting fast development cycles and product iteration.</li><li dir="ltr">Developer-Friendly Tools &nbsp;Azoteq provides full support with evaluation kits, intuitive GUIs, and detailed documentation—making it easy to fine-tune performance and validate designs at every stage.</li><li dir="ltr">Low Software Overhead &nbsp;The ICs perform key processing tasks on-chip, reducing the burden on host processors. This means quicker setup, easier calibration, and faster time-to-market.</li></ul><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1750680078270-Haptic-3D_All_In_One_sml.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">A deeper look at the IQS39x haptic family</h2>From waveform control and resonance tracking to sensing architecture and power optimization, this family of ICs is engineered for precision, flexibility, and performance in demanding real-world applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;<iframe id="685944fa965855c405343212" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/azoteq-haptic-enabled-sensor-the-iqs39x-family?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe><h3 dir="ltr">IQS39x Haptic Family Lineup</h3>The IQS39x product range offers scalable options for a variety of design needs—from simple plug-and-play drivers to fully integrated sensing-and-feedback ICs. Each product in the family is tailored for specific use cases, balancing ease of implementation with advanced performance.IQS391 – Basic Haptic Driver &nbsp;An entry-level, plug-and-play solution for basic LRA motor control. Ideal for simple haptic tasks where minimal setup and fast deployment are key.IQS390 – Versatile Driver with Autoresonance &nbsp;Offers advanced drive capabilities with real-time closed-loop autoresonance, making it a great fit for mobile devices and other power-sensitive applications.IQS397 – Robust Sensor + Driver Combo &nbsp;Combines capacitive touch sensing and haptic feedback with high noise immunity. Designed for reliable performance in electrically noisy or industrial environments.IQS396 – ProxFusion® Integration with Advanced Control &nbsp;Delivers fully integrated sensing (capacitive, inductive, Hall-effect, etc.) alongside haptic output. Supports multiple input modalities and smart power management for complex interactive devices.IQS326 – Rotary Sensing with Haptics &nbsp;Features precise Hall-based rotation detection with integrated haptics—ideal for scroll wheels, dials, and other rotary interface elements where tactile feedback enhances control.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1750680120276-Azoteq-IQS39X-Family.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The IQS39x product range.<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Core Technologies: Powering Precision Haptics</h2><h3 dir="ltr">LRA Motor Compatibility</h3>The IQS39x family is fully optimized for Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA) motors, with features that ensure consistent, energy-efficient performance:<ul><li dir="ltr">Integrated H-Bridge: Drives LRA motors directly with bidirectional current, simplifying circuitry.</li><li dir="ltr">Closed-Loop Autoresonance: Real-time tracking maintains peak vibration amplitude across motor aging, temperature shifts, and mounting variations.</li><li dir="ltr">Smart Power Modes: Ultra-low-power operation and automatic power management extend battery life in portable devices.</li><li dir="ltr">Flexible Control: Trigger haptics via sensor events or I2C commands—ideal for custom workflows and modular design.</li><li dir="ltr">Built-In Protections: Internal safeguards defend both IC and motor, boosting reliability and longevity.</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">ProxFusion® Sensing Platform</h3>Beyond haptics, IQS39x ICs integrate Azoteq’s multi-modal sensing architecture, combining:<ul><li dir="ltr">Capacitive, inductive, Hall-effect, and temperature sensing—in a single package.</li><li dir="ltr">Customizable channels and sensor combos, adapting to diverse applications from sealed trackpads to rugged industrial interfaces.</li><li dir="ltr">Low-Power Optimization: Features like auto-calibration and wake-on-touch reduce energy draw.</li><li dir="ltr">Tactile UX Enhancements: ProxFusion supports virtual freewheel and gesture-based inputs, bringing smooth scrolling and intuitive feedback to flat surfaces.</li><li dir="ltr">Streamlined Development: On-chip processing reduces CPU load, speeds up development, and minimizes external circuitry.</li></ul>Read more about the applications of this <a href="https://www.azoteq.com/applications/">product range here.</a><h2 dir="ltr">A Smarter Way to Feel the Future</h2>As devices become flatter, sleeker, and more intelligent, user expectations for interaction are rising. The IQS39x family from Azoteq meets these demands head-on—blending advanced haptic feedback with multi-modal sensing in a compact, easy-to-integrate package. Whether you’re designing for wearables, industrial controls, or smart home devices, these ICs offer the precision, reliability, and responsiveness needed to deliver next-generation experiences.With built-in support for LRA motors, smart power management, and a flexible sensing platform, the IQS39x simplifies development while unlocking new possibilities for tactile interaction. Azoteq’s haptic solutions don’t just enhance interfaces; they offer a redefinition of how users connect with technology.Ready to bring touch to life? Explore the IQS39x family and start building more intuitive, immersive experiences today.<h3 dir="ltr">References</h3><ol><li dir="ltr">Research and Markets, "Tactile Sensors Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034," Feb. 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6060371/tactile-sensors-market-opportunity-growth">https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6060371/tactile-sensors-market-opportunity-growth</a></li><li dir="ltr">J. Smith, "Mechanical Buttons to Capacitive Sensing: A Step-by-Step Guide, Part I," EDN Network, 2024. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.edn.com/mechanical-buttons-to-capacitive-sensing-a-step-by-step-guide-part-i/">https://www.edn.com/mechanical-buttons-to-capacitive-sensing-a-step-by-step-guide-part-i/</a></li><li dir="ltr">Microchip Technology Inc., "Capacitive Touch Sensor Design Guide," Application Note DS00002934-B, 2023. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/TXFG/ApplicationNotes/ApplicationNotes/Capacitive-Touch-Sensor-Design-Guide-DS00002934-B.pdf" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/TXFG/ApplicationNotes/ApplicationNotes/Capacitive-Touch-Sensor-Design-Guide-DS00002934-B.pdf</a></li><li dir="ltr">Flatirons, "Enhancing User Experience (UX) with Haptic Feedback," 2024. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://flatirons.com/blog/enhancing-user-experience-ux-with-haptic-feedback/">https://flatirons.com/blog/enhancing-user-experience-ux-with-haptic-feedback/</a></li><li dir="ltr">AG Displays, "How Touch Technology is Transforming LCDs: Haptics, Gestures &amp; More," Mar. 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://blog.agdisplays.com/index.php/2025/03/06/how-touch-technology-is-transforming-lcds-haptics-gestures-more/">https://blog.agdisplays.com/index.php/2025/03/06/how-touch-technology-is-transforming-lcds-haptics-gestures-more/</a></li><li dir="ltr">UX Primer, "Embracing Haptic Feedback: Incorporating Touch Sensations in Modern UX Design," 2024. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://articles.ux-primer.com/embracing-haptic-feedback-incorporating-touch-sensations-in-modern-ux-design-1e40097c6a4d">https://articles.ux-primer.com/embracing-haptic-feedback-incorporating-touch-sensations-in-modern-ux-design-1e40097c6a4d</a></li><li dir="ltr">Azoteq, "Haptic Solutions," 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.azoteq.com/haptic-solutions/">https://www.azoteq.com/haptic-solutions/</a></li><li dir="ltr">Azoteq, "IQS390 Datasheet," 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/42/Azoteq_01_10_2025_iqs390_datasheet_v1_0-3539955.pdf" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/42/Azoteq_01_10_2025_iqs390_datasheet_v1_0-3539955.pdf</a></li><li dir="ltr">Azoteq, "IQS397 Datasheet," 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.azoteq.com/images/stories/pdf/iqs397_datasheet.pdf" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">https://www.azoteq.com/images/stories/pdf/iqs397_datasheet.pdf</a></li><li dir="ltr">Azoteq, "ProxFusion Product Overview," 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.azoteq.com/products/proxfusion/">https://www.azoteq.com/products/proxfusion/</a></li><li dir="ltr">Mikroe, "IQS269A Datasheet," 2024. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://download.mikroe.com/documents/datasheets/IQS269A%20Datasheet.pdf" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">https://download.mikroe.com/documents/datasheets/IQS269A%20Datasheet.pdf</a></li><li dir="ltr">Future Electronics, "Azoteq IQS7211A ProxFusion Combination Sensors," 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.futureelectronics.com/resources/featured-products/azoteq-iqs7211a-proxfusion-combination-sensors">https://www.futureelectronics.com/resources/featured-products/azoteq-iqs7211a-proxfusion-combination-sensors</a></li><li dir="ltr">Melexis, "LIN Real Plug-and-Play Bus System," 2023. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://media.melexis.com/-/media/files/documents/tech-talks/lin-real-plug-and-play-bus-system.pdf?sc_lang=en" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">https://media.melexis.com/-/media/files/documents/tech-talks/lin-real-plug-and-play-bus-system.pdf?sc_lang=en</a></li><li dir="ltr">Fintech Futures, "GBT Developing EDA Technology for Automatic Generation of Integrated Circuits Layout IPs," 2024. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.fintechfutures.com/press-releases/gbt-is-developing-an-eda-technology-for-automatic-generation-of-integrated-circuits-layout-ips">https://www.fintechfutures.com/press-releases/gbt-is-developing-an-eda-technology-for-automatic-generation-of-integrated-circuits-layout-ips</a></li><li dir="ltr">UPV ThinkMind, "Automatic Generation of Integrated Circuits Layout," ACHI Conference, 2013. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://personales.upv.es/thinkmind/dl/conferences/achi/achi_2013/achi_2013_13_40_20366.pdf" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">https://personales.upv.es/thinkmind/dl/conferences/achi/achi_2013/achi_2013_13_40_20366.pdf</a></li><li dir="ltr">Azoteq, "Mouse Wheel Solutions," 2025. [Online]. Available: <a href="https://www.azoteq.com/mousewheel-solutions/">https://www.azoteq.com/mousewheel-solutions/</a></li></ol>

Azoteq's IQS39x family combines capacitive sensing and haptic feedback in a single compact IC, enabling more responsive, intuitive, and reliable user interfaces for next-gen consumer, industrial, and wearable devices.

Bringing Touch to Life: Azoteq's IQS39x Haptic ICs Redefine User Feedback

Dive into the world of Robotic Surgery and discover the pivotal role of advanced sensors in enhancing surgical accuracy and patient safety. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the latest technological advancements in sensor design, challenges, and custom solutions that set new standards in the medical field.<iframe id="JotFormIFrame-241924359499371" title="FUTEK Form + No Specify" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/241924359499371" frameborder="0" style="min-width:100%;max-width:100%;height:1170px;border:none;" scrolling="yes" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp; </iframe>&nbsp;<h2>Why This Report is Essential</h2>The field of surgical robotics is changing healthcare by enabling surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with an unprecedented level of precision. Sensor technology is at the heart of this transformation and plays an important role when it comes to enhancing control, accuracy, and safety during surgery. This report looks at the challenges, solutions, and future trends in sensor design for surgical robotics. It highlights the contributions of FUTEK—a leader in precision sensor manufacturing.Reasons to read this report:<ul><li>Understand the challenges in surgical robotics – Learn how sensor design addresses requirements for miniaturization, sterilization, and real-time feedback.</li><li>Explore cutting-edge solutions – Find out how innovative sensors improve surgical outcomes and make way for new robotic capabilities.</li><li>Learn practical applications – Read about real-world case studies that demonstrate the integration of advanced sensors in surgical tools.</li><li>Gain insight into future trends – Discover how sensor data drives advancements in machine learning, AI, and prosthetics.</li></ul>This report explores four critical challenges in sensor design for surgical robotics: miniaturization, sterilization, precision, and real-time feedback.&nbsp;It explains how sensors are engineered to fit into compact surgical tools, withstand repeated sterilization cycles, maintain high accuracy and reliability, and deliver immediate feedback for precise control. Each section provides a focused overview to help readers understand the technical demands behind modern surgical systems and the engineering considerations that drive innovation in this field. Download the full report now.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzQ5NTQ4MjU5MzI4LWZ1dGVrIG1vY2sgdXAgMWEucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width:100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe id="JotFormIFrame-241924359499371" title="FUTEK Form + No Specify" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/241924359499371" frameborder="0" style="min-width:100%;max-width:100%;height:1170px;border:none;" scrolling="yes" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp; </iframe>&nbsp;<h2> </h2><h2> </h2><h2> </h2><h2> </h2><h2> </h2><h2> </h2><h2> </h2><h2 id="isPasted">Innovative Solutions by FUTEK</h2>FUTEK has over 30 years of experience designing sensors for demanding applications, including medical robotics. This report shows how their solutions address the core challenges of MIRS through:<h3>Advanced Sensor Designs</h3><ul><li>Custom sensor designs&nbsp;engineered for specific surgical applications for optimal form, fit, and function.</li><li>Nano Force Sensor (Model QLA414) delivers accurate force feedback in a compact 4x5 mm footprint—ideal for haptic-enabled laparoscopic tools. High-temperature fused insulators provide robust autoclavability, ensuring sensors withstand repeated sterilization cycles without performance degradation.</li><li>Multi-axis force/torque sensors offer high-resolution measurements across six degrees of freedom, giving surgeons precise real-time control.</li><li>Micro reaction force sensors&nbsp;enable robotic arms to respond dynamically to tissue interaction.</li></ul><h3 id="isPasted">Miniaturization</h3>FUTEK is a leader in compact sensors that integrate into robotic tools. Their expertise in engineering miniaturized sensors mean that even ultra-small robotic tools can be designed with high precision. FUTEK’s Nano Force Sensor QLA414 – just 4x5 mm envelope- is a prime example, offering precise force measurement in a form factor small enough for minimally invasive surgical tools.<h2>Applications of Sensor Technology</h2>This report also discusses how FUTEK’s innovative sensor technologies are transforming surgical robotics through a variety of applications, including:<h3>Haptic Feedback Systems</h3><ul><li>Enable surgeons to feel forces exerted by robotic instruments, improving control and reducing errors.</li></ul><h3>Calibrating Laparoscopic Tools</h3><ul><li>Improve accuracy during minimally invasive surgeries by providing precise force measurements.</li><li>Prevent excessive force from being applied to delicate tissues, reducing the risk of injury.</li></ul><h3>Endoscopic Force Control</h3><ul><li>Provided real-time data during tissue manipulation in endoscopic procedures, improving the safety and effectiveness of operations.</li><li>Improve control in surgeries that involve flexible endoscopes, where it is essential to maintain precise force measurement.</li></ul><h3>Torque Sensor Innovations</h3><ul><li>Precisely measure rotational forces with high precision so that robotic arms can perform complex movements.</li><li>Enhance control for delicate surgeries where rotational precision is critical, like orthopedic and neurosurgical applications.</li></ul>These applications demonstrate the role of technology in improving surgical precision and patient safety. The full report provides an in-depth examination of these innovations and their practical applications.<iframe id="JotFormIFrame-241924359499371" title="FUTEK Form + No Specify" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/241924359499371" frameborder="0" style="min-width:100%;max-width:100%;height:1170px;border:none;" scrolling="yes" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp; </iframe>&nbsp;<h2 id="isPasted">About FUTEK</h2>FUTEK is a global leader in precision sensor manufacturing. The company’s expertise spans numerous technology industries, including medical robotics, aerospace, industrial applications and more. FUTEK’s engineering team collaborates closely with partners to deliver customized solutions that meet rigorous standards for performance and reliability. FUTEK’s contributions to surgical robotics include:<ul><li>Strain wave harmonic gearing torque sensors</li><li>Multi-axis force/torque sensors</li><li>Nano sensors for minimally invasive procedures</li><li>Micro reaction force sensors for delicate tissue manipulation</li></ul>These innovations have advanced the reliability and precision of surgical robotics. FUTEK’s experience in developing sensors for extreme environments, including space exploration and subsea applications, has refined their expertise, allowing them to meet the demanding requirements of medical applications&nbsp;

Explore how FUTEK's precision sensors are driving innovations in surgical robotics.

Precision Sensors for Surgical Robots

Wearable haptic devices, which provide touch-based feedback, can provide more realistic experiences in virtual reality, assist with rehabilitation, and create new opportunities for silent communication. Currently, most of these devices rely on vibration, as pressure-based haptics have typically required users to wear stiff exoskeletons or other bulky structures.Now, researchers at Stanford Engineering have designed a comfortable, flexible knit sleeve, called Haptiknit, that can provide realistic pressure-based haptic feedback. Their design, published Dec. 18 in Science Robotics, shows that pressure may be more effective than vibration for some applications and is the first step toward a new category of haptic devices.“A device like this opens up a lot of new possibilities for user interfaces – how we experience virtual environments, how we experience remote communication,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/allison-okamura" data-extlink="">Allison Okamura</a>, the Richard W. Weiland Professor of Engineering at Stanford and senior author on the paper. “It’s much more lightweight, wearable, and comfortable.”<h2>A knit solution</h2>Okamura and her colleagues designed a battery-powered pneumatic system with pressure actuators that were essentially small, inflatable pouches that could be rapidly filled with air. But they needed a way to hold those pouches against the skin without using a clunky exoskeleton.“If you put air into a balloon next to your skin but don’t anchor it there, it’s going to expand in all directions,” said Cosima du Pasquier, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford and first author on the paper. “You’re going to waste most of the inflation potential.”Du Pasquier, who makes clothes as a hobby, realized that knit fabric might hold the answer. The researchers designed a soft textile that would be stiff in some areas – creating an inflexible backing to hold the pressure actuators against the skin – and flexible where needed to allow for movement and comfort.They worked with a team at MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab to manufacture the Haptiknit sleeve prototype on a knitting machine, with space for eight actuators arranged in two rows. Most of the sleeve was knit from nylon and cotton, but the areas backing each actuator also included a thermoplastic fiber. Once the knitting was done, the researchers used heat to melt the thermoplastic fibers and cause them to harden, stiffening those areas.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/il4lICuOIAc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>Demo video of the “Knit Haptic Pneumatic Sleeve” | Skylar Tibbits, MIT Self-Assembly Lab“A challenge in the field of soft robotics is how do you stick together something hard and something soft – they tend to delaminate,” Okamura said. “But putting these fibers into knitting makes a totally seamless transition from parts that are hard to parts that are soft, because it’s one continuous fabric.”The researchers tested the Haptiknit prototype with 32 users. They found that people could more accurately discern the location of individual touches from the pressure actuators than from a similarly arrayed vibrational device. Okamura and her colleagues also tried inflating the actuators consecutively at different speeds to try to create the feeling of a pleasant stroke, as opposed to discrete touches (or the potentially unpleasant feeling of a spider crawling up one’s arm). In general, participants found faster, more overlapping indentation mimicked the feeling of a continuous stroke – the opposite of what the researchers had found for vibration.The third test was to see if participants could recognize six emotions – attention, gratitude, happiness, calming, love, and sadness – conveyed through the pressure signals. The researchers used touch patterns established in previous research and found that participants generally guessed correctly at a higher-than-chance rate, although the gestures for “calming” and “love” were easily confused.<h2>More comfortable haptics</h2>Overall, participants found the Haptiknit sensations to be equally or more pleasant than those caused by vibrations. They also described the prototype sleeve as comfortable and easy to use, which is promising for more long-term uses.“What was particularly interesting was that there was a correlation between whether someone had tried a haptic device before and how highly they rated the comfort of our sleeve,” du Pasquier said. “Essentially, if they had tried out other haptic devices, they scored our sleeves much higher.”With more lightweight, comfortable haptic devices, the researchers are envisioning new opportunities for conveying information through touch. Haptiknit could be used to aid in navigation, military communication, and even dog training, du Pasquier said.Okamura, du Pasquier, and their colleagues are working on refining and optimizing their knitting patterns, as well as creating larger-scale devices – perhaps even a full suit – for virtual reality interactions. They also hope to incorporate this work into assistive devices that can help people move or aid in rehabilitation.“We can use this to start testing how people actually interpret and respond to this type of haptic information,” Okamura said. “Whether the purpose is entertainment, communication, training, or physical assistance, this really brings these wearable devices toward things that people might actually want to use in their everyday lives.”&nbsp;<hr>Okamura, a professor of mechanical engineering, is a member of<a href="http://biox.stanford.edu/" data-extlink="">&nbsp;Stanford Bio-X</a>, the<a href="https://humanperformance.stanford.edu/" data-extlink="">&nbsp;Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance</a>&nbsp;and the<a href="https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/" data-extlink="">&nbsp;Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute</a>, a faculty affiliate of the<a href="https://hai.stanford.edu/" data-extlink="">&nbsp;Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence</a>, a science fellow at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hoover.org/" data-extlink="">Hoover Institution</a>, an executive committee member for the&nbsp;<a href="https://src.stanford.edu/" data-extlink="">Stanford Robotics Center</a>, and a faculty member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://centerfordesignresearch.stanford.edu/" data-extlink="">Center for Design Research</a>.Additional Stanford co-authors of this research are visiting students Ian Scholl and Liana Tilton.Other co-authors of this work are from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Houston.

Haptiknit sleeve worn on the arm, including the control system on the upper arm. | Susan Williams, MIT Self-Assembly Lab

Researchers at Stanford Engineering have developed a lightweight, comfortable knit sleeve that uses pressure-based haptics to simulate touch, opening up new possibilities for wearable devices.

New knit haptic sleeve simulates realistic touch

This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/d57569bc-03b3-422f-b7d5-738ddd6707a9?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> The full article will continue below.<hr>Back pain is one of the main causes of everyday discomfort and sick leave in the western world. The reason for this is often a lack of exercise in the sedentary office routine combined with a lack of compensatory activities such as sport and gymnastics. The aim of the spin-off StraightUp by three graduates of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is to combat back pain in the long term and sustainably with an innovative idea. To this end, they have developed a wearable textile product that uses woven elastic wires and appropriate sensors to measure the shoulder position and inclination of the back and ensures a sustainable improvement in posture through haptic feedback.Previous posture stabilizers are designed to simply fix the back, which in the long term severely limits the mobility of the user. Other approaches with built-in inclination sensors that trigger a vibration impulse when the body bends forward have the disadvantage that many everyday and sports activities take place in a forward-leaning position and thus lead to incorrect vibration impulses.<h2>Novel approach using elastic metal alloy and AI implementation</h2>The spin-off StraightUp is tackling this problem with an innovative idea. Erik Vautrin, Marcus Hamann-Schroer and Jan Bartenbach, three KIT graduates, in collaboration with physiotherapist Tobias Baierle, developed the vision of a wearable textile that can measure the shoulder position and inclination of the back using elastic wires incorporated into the fabric. Using the data obtained from this and a woven-in chip controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), the system generates haptic feedback through vibrations, which is intended to encourage users to correct their posture. The use of the sensors in the wearable was made possible by a conductive super-elastic metal alloy that adapts to the movements of the person wearing it. "Through the haptic feedback, the body learns to maintain a healthier posture on its own, which leads to long-term improvement. The feedback system promotes active shoulder blade stabilization and posture correction of the spine," explains Baierle. The wearable can be worn in everyday life as well as during leisure and sports activities.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzI2MTAxNjg5MjI5LTIwMjRfMDY5X0lubm92YXRpdmVzIFdlYXJhYmxlX0tvZXJwZXJoYWx0dW5nIG5hY2hoYWx0aWcgdmVyYmVzc2VybkJpbGQyXzcyZHBpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Sustainable support for the back: StraightUp's concept relies on sensors, AI and haptic feedback. (Photo: StraightUp)<h2 id="isPasted">Further steps on the way to spin-off and market readiness</h2>The team is currently working with the German Institute for Textile and Fiber Research to enable the best possible integration of the sensors into the wearable. "This partnership brings us a big step closer to market readiness," explains Vautrin. In collaboration with doctors, physiotherapists and other specialists, optimization tests are to take place this year. The aim is to test the further developed product with potential customers at the end of the year.<h2>Support for founders at KIT</h2>The three founders of StraightUp met in the course “Microsystem product design for young entrepreneurs” at KIT. “In the course we learned the basics of developing and implementing a product idea. We also learned practical things like writing a business plan,” explains Bartenbach. The young team then met the physiotherapist Baierle through a lecturer.On their journey so far, the founders have used the support options at KIT. These include the KIT start-up forge and other offers from the KIT's Innovation and Relations Management (IRM) service unit. With the support of IRM, the StraightUp team successfully acquired an EXIST start-up grant for preparation and early-stage financing of the upcoming spin-off. "From the very beginning, we had a great impression of the competence of the individual people and how they interact with each other in the StraightUp team," says Dr. Rolf Blattner, Business Development Manager at IRM.&nbsp;

In the future, StraightUp could improve posture in everyday office life and thus reduce back pain, as demonstrated here in the prototype. (Photo: StraightUp)

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