Most robots humanoids included still lack the ability to feel what they touch. To address this gap, Loomia recently introduced its first tactile sensing developer kit. The launch follows insights gathered from interviews with over 100 engineers in fields like industrial automation, medical devices, and robotics, conducted under the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program.
“We didn’t initially aim to create a robotics product,” said Loomia founder Maddy Maxey. “But time and again, we heard that pressure sensing was the missing link in robotic hands and grippers and that there were no reliable, flexible, plug-and-play options available.”
Originally founded in 2014 as The Crated, Loomia specializes in soft circuit systems for sensing, heating, and lighting ideal for settings where rigid PCBs fall short. Based in Brooklyn, the company holds 10 U.S. patents, and its Loomia Electronic Layer (LEL) has already been used in automotive, industrial, and robotic applications.
Flexible Tactile Sensors Emerge
Loomia began developing flexible tactile sensors in 2018, starting with a glove-based pressure matrix created for industrial automation company Festo. Since then, the company has delivered over 1,000 sensors to enterprise clients, enabling them to prototype custom designs with unique shapes and sensitivity levels.
“Robots can see, but they still have trouble interacting with the real world,” said Loomia founder Maddy Maxey. “Without tactile feedback, they drop objects, misgrasp items, or crush delicate ones. Cameras alone can’t fix that sensors like these can.”
According to Loomia, the new kit is its first ready-made product for the robotics sector, aimed at supporting R&D labs, hardware startups, and researchers developing the next wave of human-aware machines.
Interviews Reveal Challenges Faced By Developers
“When the NSF selected us for the I-Corps program to help transition our technology from the lab to the market, we were required to complete two rounds of interviews,” said Sena Nur Birsen,, Loomia’s marketing and business development associate. “The first round focused on the automotive industry not just OEMs, but also Tier 1 suppliers. Our technology is already used there, combining sensing and heating in vehicle interiors. We’ve also worked with clients in the medical sector.”
“For the second round, we had limited knowledge of the robotics field,” she told The Robot Report. “With a small team of about five, we researched and connected with professionals in humanoid robotics, automation, and those working with robotic hands, grippers, or AR/VR gloves. We asked whether tactile sensing mattered to them and what specific needs they had.”
Loomia uncovered several common challenges faced by robotics teams:
| Key Challenges Identified | Percentage of Teams Impacted |
|---|---|
| Sensor drift and inconsistent performance | 91% |
| Difficulty integrating rigid sensor formats | 87% |
| Sensor failures during early testing phases | 67% |
| Need for sensitivity under 2 Newtons | 78% |
| Strong demand for plug-and-play solutions | 100% |
Loomia discovered that despite progress in computer vision and AI, tactile sensing remains a major hurdle for robotics developers. According to Goldman Sachs, around 17% of humanoid robot development budgets are allocated to gripper technology more than any other component.
“We kept hearing that tactile sensors were costly, unreliable, and provided inconsistent data that disrupted workflows,” said Birsen. “Developers also mentioned that setup and testing took too long. So, we set out to create a solution that would genuinely help robotics teams evaluate and integrate tactile sensing into their systems.”
The Loomia Smart Skin Developer Kit is Now on The Market
Loomia stated that its new kit offers roboticists a platform for easy testing, prototyping, and integration of tactile sensors with minimal setup effort. The kit features: A tactile sensing glove with three fingers, Capacitive sensors capable of detecting forces under 0.01N, Both mini and large pressure matrix arrays, Peel-and-stick versions for direct robot integration, A static weight kit for sensor calibration, Visualization software compatible with Arduino, Two hours of dedicated engineering support
The sensors are built on Loomia’s proprietary LEL technology a soft-circuit system proven to withstand stretching, twisting, abrasion, and environmental stress. Each kit will include a comprehensive durability report.
“We previously offered our own pressure sensors the mini and mega matrix versions were among our bestsellers,” said Birsen. “But these new capacitive sensors offer significantly greater sensitivity and stability than most alternatives on the market. They can detect even feather-light touches.”
“We’re refining our earlier designs to deliver a solution tailored for robotic hands one that’s more sensitive, more stable, and provides consistent feedback,” she added. “We’re reconnecting with previous clients and engaging major humanoid robotics firms.”
Read the original article on: The Robot Report
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