Multi-modal Tactile Sensor for Extreme Environments

Human beings are exceptionally good at handling and assessing objects in unstructured environments without damaging them. This differs from many robotic applications which require a priori dimensional knowledge of the part. This strategy fails when grasping something like fruit where the irregular size and shape would result in poor grasping and/or damage. Vision-based quality control and assembly tasks also have their limitations. For example, suppose single- or double-digit micron tolerance is required to fabricate a part. This exceeds the tolerance of typical industrial robots and vision systems. Sensate Robotics proposes the Sensate Fingertip, a multi-modal tactile sensor designed for extreme environments, with applications in NASA’s robotic manipulation and automation efforts. This innovative sensor integrates force, thermal, and conductivity sensing within a compliant elastomeric structure, enabling robotic systems to achieve human-like dexterity in unstructured environments. Phase I funding will be used to develop and evaluate a functional prototype, focusing on sensor construction, performance validation, and feasibility studies for Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) and thermal effusivity sensing. The sensor uses LED-phototransistor arrays for force detection, thermistors and a Peltier device for thermal regulation, and a conductive elastomer layer for material classification. These capabilities enable tasks such as precision assembly, tool operation, and autonomous infrastructure construction. Beyond NASA applications, the Sensate Fingertip has significant commercial potential in advanced manufacturing, quality control, and agricultural automation. It can be integrated into robotic inspection systems for gauge checking in precision machining or automated fruit sorting based on ripeness and firmness.

The Sensate Fingertip sensor directly supports NASA’s robotic manipulation and automation goals. Its multi-modal capabilities—combining force, thermal, and conductivity sensing—enable robots to grasp, manipulate, and assess objects with human-like dexterity, even in extreme environments with wide temperature fluctuations. Key NASA applications include Lunar Infrastructure Assembly & Maintenance, which enables robots to detect and verify fastener engagement. Performing assembly often requires that a button be snapped into place, or a nut tightened to a specific torque. While these show little visual cue when complete, there is an obvious tactile signal achieved: a button snaps into place or the torque ramps up to a given level. It provides torque and pressure feedback, reducing reliance on vision-based inspections, and facilitates the construction and maintenance of habitats, solar arrays, and robotic infrastructure. Autonomous Sample Collection & Scientific Exploration benefits from the ability to distinguish materials by their thermal and electrical properties, aiding geological and planetary research. It also enhances robotic manipulation of delicate samples, preventing damage during retrieval and storage. Spacecraft & Extravehicular Robotics are supported by improved gripper force control for secure grasping in automated payload handling. Regarding environmental concerns, many sensors currently used in terrestrial robotic manipulation cannot survive or effectively perform in the space environment due to temperature, vacuum, and radiation. These challenges are met through material/component substitution and/or design consideration. For example, the terrestrial version of the elastomer fingertips would be replaced with ones that are rated for such temperatures and pressures. SCV-2585 (from NuSil, Santa Barbara, CA) is an ultra-low outgassing silicone elastomer that exceeds the ASTM E 595 low outgas specifications outlined in NASA SP-R-0022A. The Sensate Fingertip sensor has significant commercialization potential in advanced manufacturing, quality control, and agricultural automation, where precise tactile sensing is essential for robotic manipulation. By integrating force, thermal, and conductivity sensing, this technology enhances robotic dexterity, allowing automation in industries where traditional vision-based systems fall short. Key commercial applications include Advanced Manufacturing & Quality Control, which enables automated gauge inspection in precision machining by detecting dimensional tolerances through force feedback. It assists robotic assembly lines in detecting proper part engagement, torque application, and mechanical fit verification, while also supporting high-precision electronics and automotive manufacturing through real-time force and compliance sensing. Agricultural Automation benefits from the ability to assess ripeness and firmness of fruits and vegetables using thermal and conductivity sensing, facilitating sorting processes. It also enables delicate handling of produce in robotic harvesting systems, reducing waste and improving efficiency, and expands automation in food processing by ensuring quality control through tactile feedback. Consumer & Service Robotics are enhanced by enabling next-generation robotic assistants to safely manipulate fragile objects in homes, restaurants, and logistics. Fruit picking has long been a challenging task to automate while at the same time being particularly onerous to perform. With the smart sensing gripper these tasks could be better automated by introducing a quality control check to the process. An unripe avocado could be left on a tree, or a bad one deposited in a separate bin from the good ones to protect the bunch. This same concept could easily apply to a multitude of other food handling functions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.