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This section provides an overview for tactile sensors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 6 tactile sensor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked tactile sensor companies as of January, 2025: 1.CORNELL PUMP COMPANY, 2.Pressure Profile Systems, 3.Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG.
Table of Contents
A tactile sensor is a sensor that mimics the human sense of touch.
The sensing device used is a sensor that converts the pressure and vibration of a contact surface into an electrical signal, and various technological efforts, including those around sensor technology, are underway to mimic the function of this sensor to the human sense of touch. In addition, tactile sensors are integrated with multiple pieces of information, such as temperature sensitivity, to estimate the texture of sensitive objects.
The sense of touch is essential for the development of robotics technology because it plays an important role not only in evaluating the properties and texture of objects but also in basic human movements, such as grasping objects with appropriate force and writing with a pen in one's hand.
Tactile sensors are used in medical diagnostics, robotics, and industrial applications.
Recently, however, the application to the game space represented by VR (virtual reality) and the metaverse field is also highly expected under the generic name of haptics, a tactile technology.
The ability to evaluate the hardness of an object makes it possible to detect the presence of "lumps" originating from breast or prostate cancer with high sensitivity, contributing to the early detection of cancer. In addition, by evaluating roughness caused by surface roughness, it can be used for quantitative evaluation of dermatitis and xerosis.
In robotics, the development of finger-mimicking sensors provides information for adjusting grip strength as sensors for robotic hands.
In industry, monitoring the texture of products can be useful for quality control.
In the world of VR (virtual reality), goggles for 3D have already been commercialized, and applications to reproduce a more realistic world in VR by attaching a suit or gloves to the VR and installing tactile sensors are being worked on.
Tactile sensors use various physical phenomena to convert the force of contact with an object into an electrical quantity, and are composed mainly of conversion devices (sensors: elements). These electrical signals are analyzed via signal and information processing circuits. In principle, the sensor can employ a variety of detection modalities.
For example, one method is to detect the electrostatic capacitance resulting from changes caused by the application of pressure in a space sandwiched by conductive Depending on the application, piezoelectric ceramic elements (PZT: lead zirconate titanate) are generally used as the sensor element in many cases. Piezoelectric ceramic elements, also called piezoelectric elements, produce voltage changes when pressure is applied. This is called the piezoelectric effect.
The arrangement of ions in the solid crystal of a piezoelectric element changes when pressure is applied, causing a phenomenon called electric polarization, in which one end of the crystal is charged with positive electricity and the other with negative electricity. The pressure information and vibration frequency information are converted into electrical signals by the piezoelectric element, which can then be converted into tactile information through analog and digital processing circuits composed of ASICs and other devices.
In addition, as an optical principle, the contact position of an object on the sensor surface can be captured by detecting changes in the scattered light in the optical waveguide inside the sensor.
The market size of tactile sensors is projected to reach $16,083.8 million by 2025 from $8,204.9 million in 2019.
Tactile sensors are one of the key elements supporting the development of robots that can work with humans. For example, a robot called RoCycle, which is being developed at MIT in the US, has a Tactile Sensor built into its hand that identifies materials so that it can recognize and sort paper, plastic, and metal.
At the Pohang University of Technology in Korea, a human fingerprint sensor is being developed using nano springs that can sense minute pressure and vibration. The results of the development include a machine learning analysis of the information obtained from the tactile sensor and the successful differentiation of eight types of fibers with an accuracy of 99.8%. As the accuracy of tactile sensors improves, demand for these sensors is expected to increase, especially in the robotics industry.
MEMS (micro electromechanical systems) is a device in which sensors, electronic circuits, etc. are integrated on a substrate using micro-fabrication technology.
In recent years, ultra-sensitive tactile sensors using MEMS technology have been attracting attention.
In addition to the world of VR, haptics is expanding its application to various familiar fields. Examples include home buttons on smartphone screens, navigation systems on the instrument panels of electric vehicles, styluses for electronic authentication, and PC keyboards.
In these fields, how small, lightweight, thin, and realistic tactile sensors can be realized is critical in terms of tactile technology. Therefore, manufacturers are working hard to develop cutting-edge MEMS technology, piezoelectric device technology, and application software.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Cornell Pump Company, founded in 1946 in Clackamas, Oregon, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of robust pumping solutions. The company designs and produces a wide range of pumps, including centrifugal pumps, agricultural pumps, industrial pumps, and more. These pumps find applications in various sectors, such as agriculture, municipal water systems, mining, and food processing. Besides, the company is an great provider of efficient and ideal pumping solutions worldwide. Courtesy of its aim for quality and effectiveness, Cornell Pump continues to meet the diverse needs of its clients across different industries.
igm Robotersysteme AG, founded in 1967 and currently a subsidiary of Global Welding Technologies AG, is a Wiener Neudorf, Austria-based manufacturer specializing in the development of welding automation solutions. The company’s product lineup includes welding and cutting robot systems, featuring components equipped with digital signal processors (DSPs). Supported by software products and offline programming systems, these solutions find applications in heavy engineering industries, including excavator, locomotive, and railway wagon manufacturing. They are also employed in bridge and gantry crane construction as well as shipbuilding.
Hager Ltd., established in 1955 and headquartered in Blieskastel, Germany, is a manufacturer of electrical installations tailored for use in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The company's product range includes meter space systems, distribution systems, switching and protection devices, energy management and monitoring solutions, and cable routing and room connection systems. These products cater to various applications, including energy distribution and metering systems, cable management systems for power and data distribution, and building security systems. The company supplies products from other brands such as Berker, Bocchiotti, Elcom, and E3/DC. It has 22 manufacturing sites in 10 countries worldwide.
Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1945, by Heinz and Philip Schmersal, is a name in safety technology, is a manufacturer of safety technology solutions, specializing in switchgear and control devices for various industries. With a diverse range of mechanical and electro-sensitive switching devices, they offer an extensive collection of safety switching systems and devices for safeguarding both humans and machinery. The company looks after three key domains: lift technology, automation technology, and safety technology. Their substantial approach position them as a global supplier of safety switching devices, catering to the safety and automation needs of various industries.
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD, established in 1963 and headquartered in Nishiku, Japan, is a manufacturer specializing in various rubber products. Its product catalog includes O-rings, precision rubber balls, the Elastomer pressure conductive sensor (Inastomer), precision molded rubber items, and Petan cushions. These rubber solutions find applications across diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical. It plays a crucial role in sealing, cushioning, and safeguarding components in a array of applications, highlighting its significance in enhancing performance and quality in various sectors.
Pressure Profile Systems (PPS), founded in 1996, is a manufacturer of sensor technology, specializing in custom sensor design, hardware, and software integration, with offices in the UK, United States, Korea, and Vietnam. The company's range of products includes various tactile sensors designed for challenging applications such as body pressure mapping, medical devices, and semiconductors, as well as the DigiTact sensor, which is suitable for testing across smaller areas, embedding, and OEM integration. The company also offers the SingleTact used for single points of contact or applications where only one sensing element is required.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CORNELL PUMP COMPANY |
39.7%
|
| 2 | Pressure Profile Systems |
16.4%
|
| 3 | Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG |
13.0%
|
| 4 | Hager Ltd |
12.2%
|
| 5 | igm Robotersysteme AG |
11.4%
|
| 6 | INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD |
7.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the tactile sensor page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
1 | 100.0% |
80 products found
80 products
FingerVision Co., Ltd.
210+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
We are developing and introducing robot systems equipped with the visual-tactile sensor FingerVision in response to industry issues. ■Food process...
Hosoda Co., Ltd.
490+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Standard Response
The small electrostatic capacity pressure and touch sensors are ･ Flexibility that compresses even a small force in the tactile sensation and pres...
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Inastomer is a product that utilizes technology that uses electrical resistance, which delicately changes depending on the pressure applied, and is...
Super Factory Co., Ltd.
90+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
A soft thin-film pressure-sensitive sensor has achieved the sensation of human skin. This sensor is ideal for grasping products that vary in hardne...
Robosensor Giken Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features ・High sensitivity (~0.1mN) ・Low noise (≦ 8μV, S/N≧140dB) ・Wideband (0.1Hz to 3MHz) ・No power supply required (no need for self-power ...
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Inastomer is a product that utilizes technology that uses electrical resistance, which delicately changes depending on the pressure applied, and is...
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Inastomer is a product that utilizes technology that uses electrical resistance, which delicately changes depending on the pressure applied, and is...
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Inastomer is a product that utilizes technology that uses electrical resistance, which delicately changes depending on the pressure applied, and is...
Ishii Notation Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Summary The touch sensor has been made into a 1Key module. It can be easily connected to the input terminal of a microcontroller just like a conve...
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Inastomer is a product that utilizes technology that uses electrical resistance, which delicately changes depending on the pressure applied, and is...
INABA RUBBER CO.,LTD
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Inastomer is a product that utilizes technology that uses electrical resistance, which delicately changes depending on the pressure applied, and is...
Sanko Name Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Capacitive sensor - Capacitive sensors do not generate static electricity that pops when you touch a door or something. ・This is a method of dete...
JAPANROBOTECH Co., Ltd.
720+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Very Fast Response
We offer modulated infrared sensors, infrared distance sensors, infrared reflection sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors, compass sensors, touch se...
9 models listed
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
570+ people viewing
Last viewed: 18 minutes ago
Use Doorknob touch switch Elevator switch Touch switch for automatic door Security touch sensor Seating sensor Input switch of electronic devices I...
12 models listed
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
580+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Use Doorknob touch switch Elevator switch Touch switch for automatic door Security touch sensor Seating sensor Input switch of electronic devices I...
12 models listed
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
540+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Use Doorknob touch switch Elevator switch Touch switch for automatic door Security touch sensor Seating sensor Input switch of electronic devices I...
12 models listed
SENSATEC Co., Ltd.
960+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Use Doorknob touch switch Elevator switch Touch switch for automatic door Security touch sensor Seating sensor Input switch of electronic devices I...
12 models listed
Accurate Co., Ltd.
170+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Summary Easily add analog input functionality. The thin sensor head is an experimental unit that can be attached to curved surfaces. ■For example...
OHMIYA IND.CO.,LTD
100+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
MyTENTA-1/PB (MyTENTA-1/PB) uses AE sensor technology to instantaneously perform workpiece touch and dress touch in ultra-fine machining and ultra-...
Maruwa Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
190+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
ifm efector, inc.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Features ・Non-contact switching that does not require mechanical force ・Visual confirmation possible with LED -Oil, impact, and scratch resistan...
