The Need for Precise Physical Feedback

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 require precise, real-time feedback from their environment to function effectively in unpredictable situations. While advanced vision systems and AI handle overall perception and path planning, force and torque sensing determine how safely and smoothly a humanoid robot interacts with its surroundings.

Humanoid robots require constant, high-quality data to control joint torque, balance, foot pressure, grip strength, and contact pressure, particularly when working closely with people. Unlike stationary industrial robots that operate on fixed tracks in controlled spaces, humanoid robots must navigate changing environments, manage unpredictable loads, and deal with multiple points of contact. To address these demands, Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG) is presenting its expertise at RoboBusiness, offering custom force and torque sensing solutions designed to tackle complex mechanical, thermal, and electrical challenges in robotics.

Overcoming Limitations of Off-the-Shelf Components

Many engineering teams initially turn to standard off-the-shelf components for rapid prototyping, only to encounter significant integration challenges as their designs progress. Catalog sensors are frequently too bulky for compact robot limbs, and their physical shapes or mounting requirements often force engineers to redesign mechanical parts simply to accommodate the sensor. Furthermore, standard parts typically feature measurement ranges that are overly broad, which diminishes signal accuracy.

Additional drawbacks of stock sensors include a lack of multi-axis measurement capabilities, reliance on bulky external electronics that increase system size and wiring, and susceptibility to electrical noise. Standard parts also routinely lack the thermal and environmental adjustments necessary to withstand the temperature fluctuations and vibrations found in compact robotic joints. To solve these problems, VPG designs custom force and torque sensors built directly into the robot's structure, turning basic mechanical parts into responsive systems using precise strain gage technology.

Advanced Strain Gage Technology and Integration

VPG implements precise strain gage technology attached directly to mechanical parts, allowing even tiny deformations under load to create measurable changes in electrical resistance. Through a Wheatstone bridge circuit, these changes are converted into accurate analog or digital signals. The sensors can measure one or multiple directions simultaneously, delivering detailed tactile feedback, joint torque data, and multi-axis information from wrists or feet with the accuracy required 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," stated Ron Zukerman, Innovation Director at Vishay Precision Group, Inc. He added that with sixty years of experience in aerospace-grade force sensing, the company bridges experimental mechanics with smart system integration to help engineers test, validate, and incorporate sensing with high accuracy and reliability.

Highlighting Key Performance Areas at RoboBusiness

At the RoboBusiness event, VPG is showcasing custom strain gage-based solutions targeted at four core performance areas in humanoid robot design. Miniature Tactile Force Sensors are tailored for very small, low-capacity applications like fingertips, knuckles, and joint mechanisms. Featuring lightweight, flexible designs, they measure both tension and compression while responding quickly with natural frequencies at kHz levels, supporting delicate gripping and touch control.

Meanwhile, Multi-Axis Force Sensors are engineered for complex joints such as torsos, shoulders, and wrists, utilizing sensitive strain gage patterns and thermal stability to measure multiple directions at once. Joint Torque Sensors manage loads directly in moving joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees without adding unnecessary weight. Finally, Force Feedback Loop Sensors supply real-time feedback directly to the robot control system, allowing humanoid robots to manage gentle gripping, adjust resistance, and work safely alongside humans.

Comprehensive Engineering Support for Robotics OEMs

To assist robotics OEMs in transitioning from conceptual designs to large-scale production, VPG provides comprehensive engineering support. The organization handles the entire process in-house, covering requirement definition, strain optimization via finite element analysis (FEA), prototype testing, thermal adjustments, design modifications, production tooling, and final quality assurance checks.

Depending on the specific stage of a project, VPG collaborates with engineering teams through flexible partnerships, offering full development, co-development, or manufacturing tailored to customer specifications. Robotics engineers, CTOs, and R&D leaders attending RoboBusiness can connect with the VPG team to explore custom sensor integration and technical resources, or follow updates through online channels.

Sources

• The Robot ReportPrecision In Motion. Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG) to Showcase Custom Sensing Capabilities for Humanoid Robotics at RoboBusiness 2026