Force Sensing

Force sensing research aims to equip robots with the ability to perceive and react to forces during interaction with their environment, crucial for tasks requiring dexterity and manipulation of objects with varying properties. Current research focuses on developing novel sensor designs, including compliant pads, optical tactile sensors, and even intrinsic force sensing within soft robots, often coupled with machine learning algorithms like reinforcement learning and deep neural networks for force estimation and control. These advancements are significantly impacting robotics, enabling safer and more effective robot-assisted surgery, human-robot collaboration, and manipulation of delicate or deformable objects in various industrial and assistive applications.