XELA demonstrates how a magnet with a pull force of 3 kg nearly touching the 3×3 mm sensor has no effect on compensated sensor readings. | Source: XELA Robotics
XELA Robotics, a specialist in advanced 3D tactile sensors, today announced two enhancements to its uSkin sensor family. Both of these advancements will be on display in a few weeks at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston.
The first sensor enhancement is magnetic interference compensation. This removes complex magnetic interference from nearby magnets or ferromagnetic materials.
Tokyo-based XELA said this is critical for handling iron and other metals in factories as well as for specialized parts, including magnetic clips. It goes well beyond the prior add-on option, which removed most magnetic interference other than for strong, small magnets nearly touching the sensors, according to the company.
XELA’s second new development is the implementation of CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), a modern high-speed communication protocol. CAN FD enables the use of more sensor modules in the same data line without a reduction in frequency due to increased data transfer rates (up to 8 Mbps) and larger payloads (frames can hold up to 64 bytes instead of the 8-byte limit in CAN).
This minimizes the risk of sensor overload caused by touching too many sensing points at the same time, said XELA Robotics. With the additional option of CAN FD, the company said its improved sensors and microcontrollers will be available for more form factors and provide 500 Hz measurements even faster than before.
“The U.S. is a critical market for us, and we’ve been listening closely to what our customers there need,” said Alexander Schmitz, CEO, XELA Robotics. “Further reducing magnetic interference and supporting more sensors on a robotic hand or gripper without sacrificing frequency were high on the list. These enhancements answer those requests directly, and they will benefit our customers across Asia and Europe as well.”
See XELA Robotics’ latest technology at the Robotics Summit
CAN FD enhanced tactile sensors are available for immediate order, with the first deliveries set for May 2026. The optional magnetic interference compensation sensor capability will be available in the third quarter of this year.
Both new sensor capabilities will be on display at upcoming industry events. XELA Robotics will be at Booth 616 at the Robotics Summit & Expo, which will be on May 27 and 28 in Boston.
Registration is now open for the world’s leading technical event for commercial robotics developers. The event is produced by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.
The Robotics Summit & Expo will have more than 50 sessions in tracks on artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also feature presentations by industry experts.
More than 70 speakers are confirmed from companies such as Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, Robust AI, Tesla, Toyota Research Institute, and more.
The Robotics Summit will also feature a number of networking opportunities. They include a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day of the show. Tickets are available but limited for the Women in Robotics Breakfast and the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, which focuses on medical devices.
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