The Era of Humanoid Robots...Robotous and Aidin Robotics Spotlighted for "Force Torque Sensor" Technology

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The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology is making the commercialization of humanoid robots that think and move like humans a reality. For robots to act with the same delicacy as humans, rather than simply "moving," sophisticated control technology is essential.

Alongside actuators, which are responsible for large-scale movements in robots, the "force torque sensor"?which detects subtle differences in force and enables precise control?has emerged as a key component that gives robots a sense of touch. With this sensor, robots can adjust their force like a human hand and respond to external stimuli in a tactile manner.

In South Korea, companies with advanced sensor technologies such as Robotous and Aidin Robotics are leading the force torque sensor market, rapidly keeping pace with the trend of robot popularization through technological advancement.

For humanoid robots that can safely coexist with humans to be mass-produced, ultra-precise sensors such as force torque sensors?which enable delicate judgment and movement control akin to humans?are essential.

The force torque sensor functions as a sensory organ that allows robots to independently determine "how much force to apply" and "when to stop." It can precisely measure force and rotational moment (torque) in three axes simultaneously, enabling robots to perform high-precision and high-safety tasks such as delicate assembly or detecting minute reactive forces during surgery and stopping immediately. Just as humans sense stimuli through skin or joints and transmit them to the brain, robots acquire sensory input through force torque sensors, allowing them to move as "precisely" as humans?a core technology for advanced robotics.

Robotous is the leading domestic company to have commercialized force torque sensor technology. In 2016, Robotous became the first in Korea to commercialize the force torque sensor, and to date, it has supplied products to over 200 companies and research institutes worldwide, establishing a unique market position.

Robotous’s force torque sensors utilize a capacitance-based, non-contact sensing structure. This approach offers superior durability and a simplified signal processing circuit, enhancing not only accuracy but also manufacturing efficiency. The manufacturing process is also streamlined, allowing for increased productivity through a simple screw-fastening process without complex bonding or soldering work. The design is optimized for automated production lines, providing strong price competitiveness.

The most distinctive feature of Robotous sensors is their independent structure, which allows for precise separation and measurement of horizontal and vertical forces. Inside the sensor, four brass electrodes (vertical direction) and four PCB pattern electrodes (horizontal direction) are precisely arranged, and fine gap adjustments maximize sensor accuracy. This independent measurement structure ensures uniform sensitivity in all directions and delivers superior performance in terms of accuracy, resolution, and overload resistance compared to other products.

The company also boasts the largest product lineup in the industry, including models such as RFT64 and RFT80. In addition, Robotous operates a customized development and supply service system to quickly respond to customer needs. While continuing to collaborate with major domestic and international companies, Robotous has recently accelerated its entry into overseas markets by establishing a global partnership with the International Cooperation Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics in Shanghai, China.

Among domestic robotics sensor startups, Aidin Robotics is attracting attention for its technological capabilities. Originating from a Sungkyunkwan University research lab, the company has developed precision force torque sensors designed to give robots a human-like sense of touch based on field sensing technology.

Notably, Aidin Robotics, like Robotous, has adopted a capacitance-based approach, successfully commercializing sensors at about one-tenth the cost of existing products. In addition to high measurement accuracy, the sensors can precisely respond to changes in external temperature and humidity, making them highly valued in medical and precision manufacturing sectors.

Key products include ultra-compact six-axis force torque sensors, tactile sensors, ultra-thin high-load three-axis force sensors, and wrist-type six-axis force torque sensors. The ultra-compact six-axis force torque sensor, which can be embedded in the fingertips of humanoid robot hands, is the smallest of its kind in the world and can measure minute forces such as 20N, 50N, and 100N. The tactile sensor, mounted on the palm, detects contact position and pressure with high resolution, closely mimicking human skin.

Force torque sensors are core components in the era of humanoid robots. As these sensors are increasingly utilized, humanoids are able to "act" more naturally like humans, accelerating the advent of the personal robot era.

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