Enhancing Robotic Hands Dexterity using Touch ICs
Bringing human-level touch to machines
New Paths to Human-Level Dexterity
Tactile Intelligence for Robotics
Synaptics Touch ICs bring human-like touch to robots by combining high-sensitivity capacitive sensing with real-time AI processing. This enables nuanced interaction, from detecting subtle textures to securely gripping delicate or heavy objects.
Engineered for Dexterity
Designed specifically for robotic hands, grippers, and manipulators, our Touch ICs deliver low-latency, high-resolution feedback that transforms mechanical motion into intelligent, responsive movement.
Purpose-Built for Real-World Use
Unlike repurposed touch technologies, Synaptics’ ICs are built from the ground up to withstand dynamic environments—supporting dense sensor arrays, resisting noise, and adapting on the fly to shifting materials and tasks.
Benefits
Dynamic Force Range
Adjust grip force in real time from feather-light to heavy steel
Micro-Slip Detection
Detect & react to to micro-slips in sub-milisecond speed
True Full-Finger Tactile Coverage
Aggregating input from across the entire hand for nuanced object handling
AI-Driven Self Calibrating Grip
Solutions that continuously re-learn & adjust grip pressure dynamically
Industrial Grade SNR Stability
Harsh condition ready with dynamic temperature compensation
Sensor Fusion & Noise Rejection
Including embedded firmware that fuses & filters multi-sensor input in real time
Scalable + Custom Configs
High channel count & modular integration for simple to complex manipulation
Designed For High Throughput
Minimizes re-grasps, supports fast pick & place for higher performance
-
Real-World Use Cases
Fragile Object Handling
Robots equipped with Synaptics Touch ICs can securely grasp delicate items such as glass panels, circuit boards, or soft food products without causing damage. The sensors detect micro-pressure changes and provide real-time feedback, allowing for stable, controlled handling without excessive force—critical in applications like electronics assembly, medical packaging, or food sorting.
Applications that fit your needs
Humanoid Robot Hands
Enable robots to mimic the dexterity of human hands with fine tactile control across fingertips and palms. Touch ICs allow nuanced detection of object texture, shape, and pressure—crucial for tasks like object sorting, precision assembly, or delicate handling in real-world environments.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Enhance safety and precision in human-robot interaction. Capacitive sensing empowers cobots to dynamically adjust grip strength, avoiding over-compression and ensuring safe operation in shared workspaces—ideal for light assembly, packaging, or logistics support.
Surgical Robotics
Provide sub-millimeter force feedback for high-precision surgical tools. Synaptics Touch ICs enable robotic instruments to "feel" tissue resistance and react instantly, improving control, safety, and outcomes in minimally invasive procedures.
Warehouse Automation
Improve handling of irregular, fragile, or unlabeled items in high-speed fulfillment environments. Touch sensors reduce errors by enabling robots to detect secure contact, correct grip slippage in real time, and handle a wide range of object shapes and weights without damage.
Agricultural Robotics
Allow robots to assess the softness, firmness, or ripeness of produce through direct contact. Touch ICs enable gentle picking and sorting of fruits and vegetables, enhancing yield quality and minimizing waste in automated farming systems.
The Synaptics Advantage
Unlike general-purpose touch solutions, Synaptics Touch ICs are designed from the ground up for robotic dexterity. With a heritage in high-precision HMI and a deep focus on physical AI, our solutions bridge the critical gap between vision and feel—unlocking smarter, safer, and more intuitive robotic systems.